CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Fraud Cases

Tony Baldry: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what discussions there have been with Crown court judges who specialise in hearing fraud cases on the Government's proposals to remove juries for complex fraud cases.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 24 January 2007
	I have been asked to reply.
	A Crown court judge with extensive experience in serious fraud trials participated in a seminar on this subject that was chaired by the Attorney-General in January 2005, as did several members of the senior judiciary; and members of the Council of HM Circuit Judges discussed the issue with the Office for Criminal Justice Reform at a special meeting in April 2005.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Construction

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the adequacy of skills in the construction industry; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Hope: I have been asked to reply.
	The assessment of the skills needs of a sector is one of the key roles of sector skills councils (SSC). ConstructionSkills, the SSC for the construction sector, launched the construction skills network in 2005 to draw upon the knowledge and experience of construction companies, construction clients, education and training providers, Government and Regional Agencies across the UK.
	The construction skills network has achieved a consensus as to the future skills and training needs of the industry. ConstructionSkills is working with Government and a range of partners to ensure those needs can be met.
	The latest Construction Skills Network report, covering the period up to 2010, is available on the ConstructionSkills website. The report provides a regional view of skills needs across all construction occupations. It will be updated later this year.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Departmental Fixed Assets

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 26 January 2007,  Official Report, column 2057W, on departmental fixed assets, who the lessees are of the three buildings in Windsor to whom the buildings were sold.

David Lammy: The lessees to whom the buildings were sold are:
	30 Park Street—Mr. J. R. Edwards and Mrs. G. C. E. Edwards;
	31 Park Street—Mr. H. F. Ledwidge and Mrs. J. Ledwidge;
	32 Park Street—Ms J. M. Reyburn.

Departments: Furniture

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many items of furniture have been  (a) lost and  (b) stolen from her Department in each year since 1997; and what the value was of those items in each year.

David Lammy: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has had no items of furniture reported either lost or stolen during the period year 2001 to date. Any records hitherto held for years 1997 to 2000 are now no longer available.

English Heritage: Public Appointments

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the selection of a new Chairman for English Heritage.

Tessa Jowell: We are about to launch a further competition to appoint a new chair of English Heritage. It will be an open competition, and the process will comply with the Nolan principles and the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment's Code of Practice. After advertising in the national press, a selection panel will shortlist and interview candidates and make recommendations to Ministers. I expect the process to be completed by the summer.

Gaming Clubs: Greater Manchester

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what she was first informed of the Casino Advisory Panel decision on the location of the Supercasino in Manchester.

Tessa Jowell: At 0900 on 30 January 2007.

Gaming Clubs: Greater Manchester

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether the chief executive of Manchester city council has met Casino Advisory Panel member James Froomberg in the last eight weeks.

Tessa Jowell: On 15 January 2007 James Froomberg attended a dinner hosted by British Waterways in his capacity as commercial director of that company. Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive officer of Manchester city council was one of a number of guests. Mr. Froomberg notified the Casino Advisory Panel in advance of this engagement. The panel concluded that, as it had already made its decisions regarding the recommended casino locations at meetings on 8 and 15 November, and because its report was already in the process of being printed, Mr. Froomberg would not be placed in a position where he could be inappropriately influenced. Mr. Froomberg did not disclose the panel's decisions at the engagement.

Local Authorities: Standards

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the benchmark indicators are on which local authorities are assessed as to whether they are compliant with Public Library Service Standards.

David Lammy: The 10 Public Library Service Standards (PLSSs) that the 149 library authorities in England are assessed against are:
	
		
			  PLSS1—Proportion of households living within specified distance of a static library 
			   Percentage household within: 
			  Authority type  1 mile  2 miles  Sparse authorities— 2 miles 
			 Inner London 100 — — 
			 Outer London 99 — — 
			 Metropolitan 95 100 — 
			 Unitary 88 100 72 
			 County — 85 72 
		
	
	PLSS 2—Aggregate scheduled opening hours per 1,000 population for all libraries—128 hours
	PLSS 3—Percentage of static libraries (as defined by CIPFA) providing access to electronic information resources connected to the internet—100 per cent.
	PLSS 4—Total number of electronic workstations with access to the internet and the libraries catalogue (available for public use through both static and mobile libraries, and other service outlets (as defined in PLSS1)) available to users per 10,000 population—6
	PLSS 5—Requests
	i. Percentage of requests for books met within 7 days
	ii. Percentage of requests for books met within 15 days
	iii. Percentage of requests for books met within 30 days
	Targets:
	50 per cent. within 7 days; 70 per cent. within 15 days; 85 per cent. within 30 days
	PLSS 6—Number of library visits per 1,000 population
	Targets:
	7,650 in inner London boroughs (or 6,800 enhanced population) 8,600 in outer London boroughs
	6,000 in metropolitan districts
	6,300 in unitary authorities
	6,600 in county councils
	PLSS 7—percentage of library users 16 and over who view their library service as:
	i. very good
	ii. good
	iii. adequate
	iv. poor
	v. very poor
	94 per cent. of respondents rate the library service as 'very good' or 'good'.
	PLSS 8—percentage of library users under 16 who view their library service as:
	i. good
	ii. adequate
	iii. bad
	90 per cent. of respondents rate the library service as 'good'.
	PLSS 9—Annual items added through purchase per 1,000 population—216 additions per 1,000 population.
	PLSS 10—Time taken to replenish the lending stock on open access or available on loan—6.7 years.
	The PLSSs form part of the library indicator suite within the Comprehensive Performance Assessment's (CPA's) Culture Block. For the purposes of CPA, thresholds have been set for each of the standards based on the overall performance of the 149 authorities against them.

London Olympics

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to ensure that the preparations for the 2012 Olympics are efficient and well-managed.

Tessa Jowell: The Olympic Board, which I co-chair, provides strong and effective governance and oversight of preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. It meets regularly to review progress across the programme.
	After London won the right to host the games in July 2005, I initiated a thorough and ongoing review of costs on which I reported to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on 21 November 2006. This work is continuing.
	Furthermore, to ensure that costs are kept under rigorous scrutiny and review and that the timescales of the programme are met, the Olympic Delivery Authority, which is responsible for delivering the infrastructure and venues for the Games, has appointed a delivery partner—CLM—to manage the procurement and delivery of the facilities.

London Olympics

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2007,  Official Report, column 103W, on Olympics 2012, if she will provide the indicative figures for the amounts set aside to cover  (a) construction inflation and  (b) additional security costs.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 2 February 2007
	I have nothing to add to my answer of 29 January 2007. To release further cost information on each of the individual elements of the £900 million increase that I announced to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee could prejudice the commercial negotiations that the Olympic Delivery Authority are currently undertaking with private developers.

London Olympics

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will place in the Library a copy of the PMP report into the legacy of 2012 Olympic and Paralympic venues.

Tessa Jowell: The Olympic Delivery Authority have employed PMP to identify options for the legacy use of the Olympic stadium. This work is ongoing.

London Olympics

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will introduce a statutory limit on the maximum liability of London council tax payers for the cost of the 2012 Olympics.

Tessa Jowell: The use of London council tax to support expenditure on the Olympic Games is a matter for the Mayor of London.

London Olympics

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what her estimate is of the proportion of any cost overruns that will be borne by the London council taxpayer in the event of the costs of the Olympics exceeding the revenues;
	(2)  what her estimate is of the change in the Olympics precept on London council tax bills as a result of the recently announced cost increases.

Tessa Jowell: The 2003 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and the Mayor of London provides for cost overruns to be met in a sharing arrangement to be agreed as appropriate between them. The memorandum makes no presumptions about the use of council tax, which is a matter for the Mayor and he has made his position on this clear.
	We are currently exploring a range of options and will report to Parliament when a resolution has been reached.

London Olympics

Edward Vaizey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of the Cultural Olympiad budget will be spent on the opening and closing ceremonies.

Tessa Jowell: The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games is working with key stakeholders including my Department to stage a number of inspiring ceremonies. These include the handover ceremony at the Beijing Games, the opening and closing ceremonies, the welcoming of the athletes to the Olympic Village, the medal ceremonies, the Torch Relay, and the Olympic Youth Camps.
	In addition, the Cultural Olympiad will be delivered and funded in partnership with a range of public and private partners.
	The London 2012 Organising Committee is currently finalising the budgets for each of these important elements of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. It is working within the overall framework set out in the candidate file and is confident that it sits within its £2 billion revenue budget.

National Lottery

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much the Big Lottery Fund is expected to contribute to  (a) the 2012 Olympics and  (b) voluntary and community groups in each year to 2012; and if she will make a statement.

Tessa Jowell: I have already announced that £410 million will come from non-Olympic lottery distributors, of which the Big Lottery Fund is one, from 2009. No decision has yet been made about how that amount will be allocated between individual distributors.
	The Government are currently considering how the additional Olympic costs of £900 million should be met This discussion will take account of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and the Mayor, which provides for a sharing arrangement to be agreed as appropriate and through seeking additional national lottery funding in amounts to be agreed at the time.
	No conclusions have yet been reached on the further use of lottery funding.

National Lottery

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the potential effects of using the National Lottery to support the Olympics on other charities supported by the National Lottery; and if she will make a statement.

Tessa Jowell: It was always understood when we bid that National Lottery funding for London 2012 would involve some loss of income to the non-Olympic good causes, including charities. Non-Olympic distributors may lose an average of 5 per cent. of their income because of sales diversion to Olympic Lottery games over the period 2005-06 to 2012-13. In addition, we have already announced that £410 million will be taken from non-Olympic Lottery proceeds between 2009 and 2012. No decision has been made about how that amount will be shared between the various non-Olympic good causes.
	The Government are currently considering how the additional Olympic costs of £900 million should be met. This discussion will take account of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and the Mayor, which provides for a sharing arrangement to be agreed as appropriate and through seeking additional National Lottery Funding in amounts to be agreed at the time. No conclusions have yet been reached on the further use of Lottery funding.

Parliamentary Questions

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she will answer parliamentary questions  (a) 108185, on the recruitment of the chairman of the BBC Trust, tabled on 6 December 2006, and  (b) 108992, on the Olympic budget, tabled on 8 December 2006, by the hon. Member for Bath; and what the reasons are for the time taken to reply.

Tessa Jowell: I apologise for the delay in answering these parliamentary questions. I can confirm that I answered 108185 on 29 January 2007,  Official Report, column 105W and question 108992 was answered on 5 February 2007,  Official Report, column 712W.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

Departmental Expenditure

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much was spent on the  (a) Delivery Unit,  (b) Strategy Unit and  (c) Office of Public Service Reform in each year since its creation; whether each unit forms part of 10 Downing street; and what the remit and function of each unit is.

Hilary Armstrong: For details of how much was spent on the  (a) Delivery Unit,  (b) Strategy Unit and  (c) Office of Public Service Reform in each year since its creation to 2004-05, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by the then Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office (Jim Murphy) on 27 February 2006,  Official Report, column 43W.
	Costs for the Delivery Unit (DU), Strategy Unit (SU) and Office of Public Service Reform (OPSR) in 2005-06 can be found in the following table:
	
		
			  Net expenditure figure 
			   Amount (£000) 
			 DU 5,173 
			 SU 3,348 
			 OPSR 1,081 
		
	
	The figures shown are for total resource spend less any income.
	The Delivery Unit, the Strategy Unit and the Office of Public Service Reform do not form part of the Prime Minister's Office.
	For details of the remit and function of the Delivery Unit and Strategy Unit, I refer the hon. Member to the Cabinet Office Annual Report and Resource Accounts 2005-06 (Pages 12 and 13).
	For details of the remit and function of the Office of Public Service Reform, I refer the hon. Member to the Cabinet Office Annual Report and Resource Accounts 2003-04 (Page 8). The Office of Public Service Reform was disbanded in January 2006.
	Copies of these reports are available in the Library and are also available on the Cabinet Office website at:
	http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/reports/annualreport/index.asp

Departments: Special Advisers

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister without Portfolio if she will place in the Library copies of the letters of appointment of each of her special advisers.

Hazel Blears: My special advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the "Model Contract for Special Advisers", a copy of which is in the Library of the House. Individual letters of appointment are confidential between the employer and employee and therefore not for publication.

Departments: Termination of Employment

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the Cabinet Office undertakes employee exit surveys.

Hilary Armstrong: The Cabinet Office asks all staff who leave the Department to complete an exit questionnaire. Completion is voluntary.

Legal Advice

David Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much has been spent by her Office on external legal advice in each of the last five years.

Hilary Armstrong: The Prime Minister's Office has not incurred any expenditure on external legal advice in the past five years.

Transformational Government

Margaret Moran: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which implementation plan targets on transformational government  (a) have not been met and  (b) have a revised timetable for achievement; and if she will make a statement.

Patrick McFadden: The progress against the Transformational Government Implementation Plan Action List is available online:
	http://www.cio.gov.uk/transformational_government/annual_report2006/index.asp
	A copy has been placed in the Library for the reference of Members.
	Progress has already been made in many areas identified in the action plan (Cm6970). For example, from January 2006 to September 2006, 3.7 million motorists renewed their car tax online; customers can now apply for both state pension and pension credit in one 20-minute telephone call; and the new electronic border-control systems have generated 4,456 alerts to border agencies and have resulted in 315 arrests.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Correspondence

Paul Burstow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  how many letters to his Department sent from hon. Members during Session 2005-06 remain unanswered, broken down by those which are  (a) one,  (b) two,  (c) three,  (d) four and  (e) over six months old;
	(2)  how many letters were received by his Department from hon. Members in each of the last 12 months; how many such letters were responded to within  (a) 10 and  (b) 20 days of receipt; how many were answered after 20 days from the date of receipt; and if he will make a statement.

John Prescott: The Cabinet Office, on an annual basis, publishes a report to Parliament on the performance of Departments in replying to correspondence from Members and peers. The report for 2005 was published on 30 March 2006,  Official Report, column 75WS. Information relating to 2006 will be published as soon as it is ready.

Departmental Budget

Oliver Heald: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what elements make up the additional budget for his Department above that previously allocated for the functions he carried out as head of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

John Prescott: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 17 May 2006,  Official Report, column 985W, and the answer I gave him on 9 October 2006,  Official Report, column 72W.

Departmental Contracts

John Grogan: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which public affairs firms were given contracts by his Department in each of the last five years; and what the purpose was of each contract.

John Prescott: Public affairs firms advise clients on political lobbying. My Department would not award contracts for lobbying, and has not done so since it was formed on 5 May 2006. For information relating to the period prior to this time, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Angela E. Smith), on 8 February 2007,  Official Report, column 1155W.

Departmental Travel

Oliver Heald: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his Department's policy is on his staff travelling first class by  (a) rail and  (b) air on official business.

John Prescott: All travel by departmental staff is undertaken in accordance with the "Civil Service Management Code", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

Departmental Website

Oliver Heald: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 14 December 2006,  Official Report, column 1304W, on his ministerial website, how many of the visits to his website were from non-government domains.

John Prescott: Of the 2,771 separate visits recorded in the period concerned, 2,582 were made from non-government domains.

Departments: Furniture

Mark Francois: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many items of furniture have been  (a) lost and  (b) stolen from his Department in each year since its formation; and what the value was of those items in each year.

John Prescott: None.

Freedom of Information

Oliver Heald: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many Freedom of Information requests his Department has received since its creation; and what the average length of time has been  (a) to process and  (b) to respond to a request.

John Prescott: The answer remains the same as the one I gave on 1 November 2006,  Official Report, column 434W.

Departments: Special Advisers

Oliver Heald: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will place in the Library copies of the letters of appointment of each of his special advisers.

John Prescott: My special advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the "Model Contract for Special Advisers", a copy of which is in the Library. Individual letters of appointment are confidential between the employer and employee and therefore not for publication.

Temporary Staff

Grant Shapps: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much his Department paid to recruitment agencies for the hire of temporary staff since it was established; and if he will make a statement.

Oliver Heald: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many temporary staff have been employed by his Department since its creation.

John Prescott: I refer the hon. Members' to the answer I gave on 11 January 2007,  Official Report, column 686W.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Airports (VIP Operations)

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what her Department's future funding plans are for the VIP/Royal Suites at Heathrow and Gatwick airports; what funding was allocated by her Department to VIP operations at these airports in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) funding from April 2008 is under discussion with HM Treasury; all future expenditure plans will depend on the outcome.
	FCO funding for the VIP/Royal Suites at Heathrow and Gatwick for financial year (FY) 2007-08 has been budgeted at a net £2.4 million.
	FCO funding in each of the past five years was FY 2001-02 £2.55 million; FY 2002-03 £2.49 million; FY 2003-04 £2.98 million; FY 2004-05 £2.57 million; FY 2005-06 £2.7 million.

Aung San Suu Kyi

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent attempts have been made by  (a) the British Ambassador to Burma and  (b) other UK Government officials to visit Aung San Suu Kyi.

Margaret Beckett: Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest. The conditions of her detention are very restrictive. Only her doctor is allowed occasional visits. On 24 November 2006, our ambassador in Rangoon formally requested authority from the Burmese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pay a courtesy call on her. The request was refused. No other Government officials have requested meetings with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on the future of the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Margaret Beckett: The Peace Implementation Council, on which the UK sits, will review the future of the Office of the High Representative at its meeting on 26-27 February, taking into account the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region as a whole.

Burma

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action against Burma the Government are advocating at the UN Security Council; what measures are under consideration at the UN Security Council; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: Our policy is to support all action in the UN, including in the Security Council, which helps to promote reform and positive change in Burma. We therefore co-sponsored the UN Security Council Resolution on Burma with the United States which was put to the vote on 12 January. Nine members of the Security Council voted for the Resolution. However the Resolution was not adopted, as two permanent members of the Security Council—China and Russia—voted against, as did South Africa.
	Disappointing though this result was, it is important to note that all Security Council members agreed that there were serious issues of concern in Burma. This, and the positive votes from a majority of Council partners, reflected the international community's deep concern over the plight of Burma's people. We will continue to work within the UN to ensure that Burma remains on the UN Security Council agenda.
	On 24 January my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs, Ian McCartney, met representatives from the Chin and Kachin ethnic groups in Burma to discuss the many difficulties faced by their respective communities, including violation of their religious freedoms.

Burma

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of UN envoy Gambari's visits to Burma.

Margaret Beckett: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs (Mr. McCartney) gave the hon. Member for Cotswold (Mr. Clifton-Brown) on 4 December 2006,  Official Report, columns 69-70W.

Burma

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the position of the Non-Aligned Movement on a United Nations Security Council resolution on Burma.

Margaret Beckett: Members of the Non-Aligned Movement did not adopt a common position on Burma at the time the UN Security Council Resolution on Burma was put to the vote on 12 January. The Non-Aligned members of the UN Security Council voted as follows: Ghana, Panama and Peru voted in favour of the resolution; Indonesia, Congo and Qatar abstained; and South Africa voted against. China has observer status in the Non-Aligned Movement and voted against the resolution.

China: Human Rights

Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations the Government has made to the Chinese Government to encourage the cessation of the re-education through labour programme; and what the outcome of these representations was.

Ian McCartney: I wrote to the Chinese ambassador in August 2006 to urge China to give fresh impetus to the reform of the Re-education through Labour (RTL) system. We raised RTL with the Chinese Government at the most recent round of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue on 5 February 2007. The Chinese authorities said China is reducing the scope and number of sentences of the RTL system but progress is slow. We continue to urge China to progress the reform of RTL and all forms of administrative detention in order to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

China: Human Rights

Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations the Government has made to the Chinese Government on human rights violations in China; and what the outcome of these representations was.

Ian McCartney: Engagement on human rights in China remains a Government priority. We raised a range of human rights issues with the Chinese Government at the most recent round of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue on 5 February 2007. We held detailed discussions on the main themes of Civil Society and the role of defence lawyers, as well as wider issues of concern. We received information on China's recent human rights developments and we offered recommendations for reform. We also raised 45 individual cases of concern and received 35 responses.

China: Press Freedom

Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government have taken in discussions with the Chinese Government to ensure freedom for Chinese national and international press during the Beijing 2008 Olympics; what the outcomes of those steps were; and what future actions she plans to take.

Ian McCartney: We regularly raise freedom of the media with the Chinese Government. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Tessa Jowell) urged the Chinese Government to lift restrictions on foreign correspondents up to and beyond the Beijing Olympics during her visit to China in September 2006. The Chinese Government implemented new regulations on 1 January 2007 which give foreign correspondents freedom to report and travel around China up to 17 October 2008. We urged the Chinese Government to ensure freedom to domestic and international press at the most recent round of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue on 5 February 2007. We will continue to raise this issue with the Chinese Government.

China: Tibet

Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will make representations to press for an independent investigation into the shooting of Tibetan refugees in September 2006 by Chinese border guards; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: The EU urged the Chinese Government to investigate the incident at the Nangpa Pass, at the last round of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, held in Beijing on 19 October 2006. The Chinese Government confirmed that the incident had taken place and promised to give further information. The EU followed up on 19 December 2006 and was told by the Chinese authorities that the incident was a border management issue and there was nothing new to report. We raised the incident at the most recent round of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue on 5 February 2007 and urged the Chinese Government to fully investigate reports of ill-treatment of the people detained during the shooting.

Democratic Republic of Congo

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance she is offering to the new Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ian McCartney: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains a priority for the UK. A Department for International Development (DFID)-funded UN Development Programme (UNDP) programme will be providing immediate training and technical support to the new Parliament, Ministers, senior civil servants and provincial assemblies, to help them take on their new roles and responsibilities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is financing training on the role of political opposition for senior parliamentarians.
	The UK is the biggest bilateral European donor in the DRC (£62 million available this financial year). DFID's programme focuses on providing immediate humanitarian assistance; supporting good governance, democratisation and accountability; reforming the army, police and justice sector; supporting the provision of basic services—health, education and infrastructure—to the population; tackling HIV/AIDS and promoting better management of the DRC's natural resources.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Politics and Government

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received on the composition of the new cabinet in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ian McCartney: President Joseph Kabila and Prime Minister Gizenga named their Government on 5 February. The new Government consists of six senior Ministers of State, 34 Ministers and 20 Vice-Ministers.
	All Government members belong to the Alliance pour la Majorite Presidentielle coalition of parties which supported President Kabila's election campaign. The new Government is a mixture of new faces and politicians with experience from the transitional Government.
	The new Government faces many challenges, notably reforming the security sector, dealing with corruption and improving regional relations. We are committed to working with the Government to build a stable and prosperous Democratic Republic of Congo and Great Lakes region.

Departmental Contracts

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which public affairs firms were given contracts by  (a) her Department and  (b) public bodies sponsored by her Department in each of the last five years; and what the purpose was of each contract.

Geoff Hoon: In respect of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
	Budgets for this kind of activity are devolved. The information is not held centrally and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.
	In respect of the public bodies:
	The BBC World Service has contracted two public affairs companies over the past five years, to provide relevant summaries of parliamentary business:
	Weber Shandwick until 2003; and
	Cambre Public Affairs since, to maintain an automated on-line service.
	The British Council contracted three public affairs companies over the last five years:
	Brunswick Arts International to manage the promotion of the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale (August to September 2004);
	Brunswick Arts Consultancy Ltd to support the British Council's arts promotion (February to April 2002, June 2002 to May 2003, August 2003 to July 2004); and Fleishman-Hillard UK to produce an audit of MP perceptions of the British Council (January 2006).

EU Constitution

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government support proposals in the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe for an EU Foreign Minister; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, including provisions for an EU Foreign Minister, was agreed by all member states on 29 October 2004. However, following the "no" votes in France and the Netherlands, there is at present no consensus among member states on the future of the Constitutional Treaty. The way forward will be discussed at the European Council in June. The Government make no presumption as to the outcome of those discussions. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe made a written ministerial statement on 5 December 2006,  Official Report, column 10-11WS regarding the UK's approach to these discussions. This remains the Government's position.

EU Constitution

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government support proposals in the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe for an EU external action service; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, including provisions for an EU external action service, was agreed by all member states on 29 October 2004. However, following the "no" votes in France and the Netherlands, there is at present no consensus among member states on the future of the Constitutional Treaty. The way forward will be discussed at the European Council in June. The Government make no presumption as to the outcome of those discussions. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe made a written ministerial statement on 5 December 2006,  Official Report, column 10-11WS regarding the UK's approach to these discussions. This remains the Government's position.

EU Constitution

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government support proposals in the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe for a permanent President of the European Council; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, including provisions for a European Council President, was agreed by all member states on 29 October 2004. However, following the "no" votes in France and the Netherlands, there is at present no consensus among member states on the future of the Constitutional Treaty. On the basis of extensive consultations with member states, the German presidency will present a report on the state of discussion with regard to the Constitutional Treaty, and possible future developments, to the June European Council. The report will be examined by the European Council, but the Government make no presumption as to the outcome of those discussions. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe made a written ministerial statement on 5 December 2006,  Official Report, column 10-11WS regarding the UK's approach to these discussions. This remains the Government's position

Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with EU colleagues on  (a) the restrictions on agricultural products in the Euro-Mediterranean partnership agreements and  (b) a potential review of the restrictions; and if she will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: I have been asked to reply.
	On behalf of the UK Government, Baroness Royall of Blaisdon attended the 8th Euro-Mediterranean Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs at Tampere from 27 to 28 November 2006. At the Conference, Ministers endorsed the results of the Euro-Mediterranean Trade Ministers Conference held in Marrakech on 24 March 2006 and reiterated their commitment to achieving a Euro-Mediterranean free trade area by 2010.
	Against this background, and based on the Rabat roadmap, the agenda for negotiations in 2007 will include a focus on the progressive liberalisation of trade in agricultural, processed agricultural and fisheries products, with a possible selected number of exceptions and timetables for gradual and asymmetrical implementation, taking account of the differences and individual characteristics of the agricultural sectors in different countries. Non-tariff aspects of agricultural trade liberalisation will be covered in these negotiations, along with rural development, agricultural productivity and quality, and sustainable development.

Iraq

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which officials in her Department have been formally tasked with considering the report of the Iraq Study Group; what form this consideration will take; and when it is expected to be completed.

Margaret Beckett: The Iraq Study Group's report was commissioned by, and for, the US Government and Congress, and does not require a formal response from the Government.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and I have outlined the Government's position on the Iraq Study Group's report to the House on 12 December 2006,  Official Report, columns 726-28, and at a joint session with the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committees on 11 January 2007, respectively.

Kosovo: Arms Control

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the prevalence of small arms in Kosovo; what support the Government is giving to arms eradication programmes in Kosovo; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The UK actively supports arms eradication programmes in Kosovo. In partnership with the Government of Sweden, we are managing an ongoing project through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Global Conflict Prevention Pool, worth £71,000, which aims to address the proliferation of light weapons and small arms throughout Kosovo.

Kosovo: Politics and Government

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of  (a) the political situation in Kosovo and  (b) the political consequences of UN Special Envoy Ahtisaari's recommendations for the future status of Kosovo.

Margaret Beckett: The UN Special Envoy presented draft proposals to Belgrade and Pristina on 2 February. We encourage both parties to engage constructively and responsibly with the Special Envoy over these proposals. We believe that completion of the status process is important in order to provide clarity to the people of Kosovo over their future which in turn will help stabilise the political situation in Kosovo.

Kosovo: Politics and Government

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with her International Contact Group for Kosovo counterparts on the recommendations of UN Special Envoy Ahtisaari; what the outcome was of those discussions; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The UK has worked in close partnership with Contact Group partners (US, France, Germany, Italy, Russia) to assist efforts to achieve a lasting status settlement for Kosovo and the region.
	Contact Group Ministers last met in New York in September 2006, where we asked UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari to prepare a comprehensive proposal for a status settlement. Contact Group officials met on Friday 26 January in Vienna, where they discussed UN Special Envoy Ahtisaari's plans for taking the status process forward.
	We will continue working closely with Contact Group partners to achieve the durable solution for Kosovo which will enhance regional stability and the region's Euro-Atlantic prospects.

Kosovo: Politics and Government

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with her  (a) European Union,  (b) United States and  (c) Russian counterparts on the European Union's future role in Kosovo; what the outcome was of those discussions; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: I have had several discussions on the EU's future role in Kosovo in bilateral and multilateral fora. Most recently, I discussed Kosovo with EU Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 22 January and at the EU-NATO transatlantic lunch on 26 January. We continue to work closely with the US and Russia in the Contact Group which last met at ministerial level in September 2006.
	A safe, secure and prosperous Kosovo in a stable region is vital to Europe. There is broad agreement among member states that the EU should be closely involved in the future of Kosovo and should play a leading role in the implementation of a Kosovo settlement. Planning has now started to ensure the EU is well placed to meet their responsibilities. But we should avoid prejudging the outcome of the status process.

Kosovo: Politics and Government

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the implications of the recent parliamentary elections in Serbia for the process to establish the final status of Kosovo.

Margaret Beckett: The UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari adjusted the timeline for the Kosovo status process to accommodate the elections in Serbia on 21 January. The official results of the elections show that pro-EU, pro-reform parties have a clear majority. We await the formation of a new government.
	Meanwhile, the Kosovo final status process continues. The UN Special Envoy put draft proposals to Belgrade and Pristina on 2 February. We fully support the UN Special Envoy's efforts to bring this process to completion as soon as possible so that Kosovo can finally have clarity over its future, enabling the Balkan region to move beyond the conflicts of the recent past towards a future with a Euro-Atlantic perspective.
	We are encouraging both Belgrade and Pristina to engage positively and constructively with the Special Envoy.

Members: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when she expects to reply to the letter dated 23 December 2006 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton on Yasir Zulfiqar.

Margaret Beckett: I replied to my right hon. Friend on 31 January.

Members: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when she expects to reply to the letter dated 15 December 2006 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton on Brother E. Egan.

Liam Byrne: I have been asked to reply.
	This has been passed to me to respond. I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 30 January 2007.

Middle East: Human Rights

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations she has received on allegations of human rights violations in Israel and Palestine.

Kim Howells: We are concerned at the human rights situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories and regularly receive representations about human rights from non-governmental organisations in the region and in London.
	We are particularly concerned by the failure to implement the 15 November 2005 agreement on movement and access; extra-judicial killings of Palestinians by the Israel defence force; the firing of artillery shells near populated areas of the Gaza Strip causing deaths of civilians; continued settlement construction in the West Bank; the impact of the barrier; closures; settler violence; and intimidation and harassment of Palestinian citizens. We also remain concerned about human rights abuses in areas where the Palestinian authority should take responsibility, in particular its failure to prevent terrorist attacks, militant groups from attacking Israeli civilians and the continuing violence between Palestinian groups. We regularly raise these concerns with the Israeli Government and Palestinian President Abbas.

Palestine

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what latest assessment she has received on the security situation in the Gaza Strip; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza. Nevertheless, we remain concerned at the security situation in Gaza. Between 3 and 16 January the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that 10 Palestinians were killed in Gaza by the Israel Defence Force. One international photographer was also abducted by Palestinian militants but was released unharmed. 12 Qassam rockets were fired by Palestinian militants towards Israel. No injuries were reported.
	On 7 February OCHA reported that in 2007 86 Palestinians including 11 children had been killed in intra-Palestinian violence and 486 injured. On 29 January, Hamas and Fatah announced a ceasefire following a weekend of violence that left 29 dead and 100 wounded. 50 Palestinians were also kidnapped (some have since been released). On 1 February the ceasefire collapsed, leaving 13 dead and over 100 injured in overnight violence. Hamas and Fatah have since renewed the ceasefire which is still holding.
	We urge the Israeli military to do everything in its power to avoid civilian casualties. We have repeatedly raised our concerns with the Government of Israel. We have also raised our concerns about the firing of Qassam rockets at Israeli towns with President Abbas. We welcome his call for the firing of these rockets to stop.
	We welcome Saudi Arabia's efforts to broker a National Unity government (the Mecca talks). During my visit to the region 5-7 February, I made clear to all parties that we wanted to work with a National Unity government based on the Quartet (US, UN, EU and Russia) principles.

Pensions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cash equivalent transfer value is of the public sector pensions of 10 highest paid members of staff in her Department and its executive agencies; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The cash equivalent transfer value of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme pension entitlements of the 10 highest paid members of staff of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) amounted in total to £9,849,461 at 31 March 2006.
	We publish the pay and pension details of FCO members of the Department's Board of Management in the Remuneration Report that forms part of the FCO's Annual Resource Accounts. Our 2006 Remuneration Report included individual pay and pension details for two of the 10 highest paid members of staff included in this calculation. A copy of the 2006 Accounts have been placed in the Library of the House.

Sudan: China

Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether she has received reports of non-uniformed Chinese troops operating in the Sudan.

Ian McCartney: China has approximately 450 uniformed troops in the UN Mission in Sudan. We have not received reports of non-uniformed Chinese troops operating in Sudan.
	We continue to encourage China to use its growing power positively in Africa. We are engaging the Chinese on Darfur and on implementation of the North/South Peace Agreement.

Sudan: Peace Keeping Operations

Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the African Union's efforts to reinforce peacekeeping in the Darfur region of Sudan; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: The African Union (AU) Mission in Sudan (AMIS) carries out vital work to protect civilians and monitor the ceasefire in Darfur. But to cover such a vast area effectively AMIS needs reinforcement and this needs to come from the UN. A phased approach to increasing UN support to peacekeeping in Darfur was agreed in Addis Ababa on 16 November 2006 and is now being implemented. It will culminate in a hybrid AU and UN force, the details of which are currently being finalised. In the meantime, it is vital that AMIS can continue its work and the UK is committed to supporting this. We have pledged a further £15 million to this end, bringing our total contribution for this financial year to £35 million.
	We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of an AMIS civilian police officer in Qassab internally displaced people camp in Darfur last week. We offer condolences to his family.

Syria

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government  (a) have taken and  (b) plan to take to increase links with the Government of Syria; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The British embassy in Damascus maintains regular links with the Government of Syria. Our ambassador met President Assad of Syria and Foreign Minister Muallim on 7 January. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's foreign policy adviser, Sir Nigel Sheinwald, visited Syria in late October 2006. He reiterated the Government's hope that Syria would revise its policies to play the constructive role in the region that the international community expects. Sir Nigel made clear that the prospect of enhanced engagement with the UK was dependent on the degree to which Syria responded to our concerns, which are shared by many in the international community.
	Syria has in recent weeks taken steps to establish stronger links and co-operation with the Government of Iraq. That is a welcome development. We hope to see practical results. We want Syria to use its influence with Hamas and other groups to work for progress in the Middle East Peace Process. Syria should also support efforts to ensure stability in Lebanon, and respect all UN Security Council resolutions relating to Lebanon.

Timor-Leste

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has held with  (a) the UN Secretary-General and  (b) others on the final report of the Timor-Leste Reception, Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Ian McCartney: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has had no discussions with the UN Secretary-General or with others about the report of East Timor's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have discussed the report's recommendations with the UN Secretariat and other delegations.

Timor-Leste

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will ask the UN Secretary-General to convene a meeting of the Security Council to consider the final report of Timor-Leste's Reception, Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: It is for the UN Secretary-General to decide how to handle the report within the UN, including when to discuss it in the Security Council.

Uganda

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what representations she has made to the government of Uganda regarding those people held prisoner accused of being members of the People's Redemption Army; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what her current assessment is of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Uganda.

Ian McCartney: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Portsmouth South (Mr. Hancock) on 6 February 2006,  Official Report, column 828W.
	In addition, our high commissioner in Kampala, as part of the Partners for Democracy and Governance Group in Kampala, raised our concerns about the continued custody of the 19 People's Redemption Army detainees to Interior Minister Rugunda on 25 January.

Uganda

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when she last had discussions with members of the government of Uganda on  (a) human rights,  (b) judicial independence and  (c) the rule of law in that country; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 15 January 2007,  Official Report, columns 834-35W, and to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Lynne Featherstone) today (UIN 119053).
	We will continue to raise these issues with the Government of Uganda.

Uganda

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has made to the Ugandan authorities on their refusal to release the civilian People Redemption Army suspects granted bail in the High Court; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) on 6 February 2007,  Official Report, column 828W, and the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Lynne Featherstone) today (UIN 119053).
	We will continue to raise our concerns about this issue with the Government of Uganda.

Uganda

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with the Ugandan government following the Ugandan Constitutional Court ruling on the immediate release of 19 members of the People's Redemption Army.

Ian McCartney: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) on 6 February 2007,  Official Report, column 828W, and the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Lynne Featherstone) today (UIN 119053).
	We will continue to raise our concerns about this issue with the Government of Uganda.

HEALTH

"Choosing Health"

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 12 December 2006,  Official Report, column 1025W, on choosing health, whether any health champions will be recruited; what partners in establishing networks of champions have been approached; when the first annual awards for champions will be made; and in what form.

Caroline Flint: The concept of a health champion described in the "Choosing Health" White Paper is being implemented through other programmes, such as health trainers and communities for health. These programmes are identifying, developing, and in the case of health trainers, recruiting individuals who are championing health in their communities. We are exploring ways to recognise and celebrate those championing health through existing national award schemes.

Alcohol Awareness

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations she has undertaken with charitable organisations on alcohol awareness campaigns.

Caroline Flint: Charitable organisations have been involved with the development of the Government's "know your limits" campaign since its earliest stages. In July and August 2005 charitable organisations were invited to participate in workshops entitled "Delivering Communications to Support the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy" that fed into initial thinking regarding the campaign.
	Charitable organisations are also kept up to date with the progress of campaign development and sit on the communication stakeholders group which feeds into on-going alcohol communications activity and helps shape future plans.

Anorexia and Suicide Websites

Linda Riordan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if her Department will undertake research on the influence on vulnerable people of material on websites encouraging anorexia and suicide.

Rosie Winterton: The Department is concerned about the risks posed by websites encouraging anorexia and is working with a media agency who have offered their expertise  pro bono to run advertisements directing youngsters to more appropriate sites.
	In January 2006, I met with the Internet Service Providers Association UK and Samaritans to explore ways that internet service providers can help in protecting vulnerable people from accessing internet sites and chat rooms that make information available about suicides.
	There are no current plans to undertake research on the influence on vulnerable people of material on websites encouraging suicide or anorexia. We are convinced by the anecdotal evidence of their dangerousness but are quite unable to take any legal action against them because such sites are not in themselves illegal and may also be hosted overseas. We continue to explore other, non-legislative, courses of action.

Autism

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps she is taking to improve the care offered to those diagnosed with autism;
	(2)  how many people were diagnosed with autism in 2005-06.

Ivan Lewis: It is for local commissioners to ensure their populations benefit from improvements to the provision of care for people with autistic spectrum disorders, using the increasing resources this Government have made available.
	In the three years to March 2006 we invested £300 million in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) provided by the national health services and local authorities. In 2006-07 they will have a further £140 million available to them. This is being used to develop CAMHS to ensure that the challenge of providing and then maintaining a comprehensive CAMHS can be met. One element of a comprehensive CAMHS are services for autistic young people who also have mental health problems.
	The Department does not collect data on the number of people diagnosed with autism.
	However, hospital episode statistics show that there were 10,355 finished consultant episodes with a diagnosis falling under the wider field of autistic spectrum disorders in 2005-06. This includes patients admitted to NHS hospitals only and is likely to be much smaller than the total number of patients diagnosed. The figure does not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the year.

Better Healthcare

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what instructions her Department has given to the Programme Steering Group responsible for reviewing the Better Healthcare, Closer to Home proposals; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: The care closer to home demonstration group is overseeing the care closer to home demonstration project. Its terms of reference are:
	to provide a strategic overview to sub-groups;
	to determine the evaluation arrangements;
	to provide a steer to the sub-groups about the closer to home themes;
	to determine what should happen to the recommendations;
	to sign off and submit interim and final report;
	to secure professional support for recommendations; and
	to be the public face of the project.

Binge Drinking

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what material her Department has provided to schools and colleges to raise awareness of binge drinking.

Caroline Flint: The Government's national campaign "know your limits" is the first to focus on binge drinking. Campaign leaflets on binge drinking and young people are distributed from health promotion units around the country. One of their major customer groups are schools and colleges.
	Alcohol education materials are routinely made available to schools and colleges through the network of health promotion units around the country.

Binge Drinking

Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the effect on demand for NHS  (a) accident and emergency and  (b) longer term services of trends in teenage binge drinking.

Caroline Flint: Table 1 uses the age group 16 to 19 as a proxy measure for teenage binge drinking. It also uses the Information Centre's measure of binge drinking—boys drinking more than eight units in one day and girls drinking more than six units a day.
	Table 1 shows that, between 1998 and 2004, binge drinking by this age group changed very little.
	We are unable to determine if demand by this age group for accident and emergency services has increased, as records are not kept in a way that would allow us to make this assessment.
	Table 2 shows that admission to hospital following a visit to accident and emergency by this age group in each year from 1998-99 to 2005-06 rose from 4,114 to 7,237. This is almost entirely due to incidents of acute intoxication in this age group.
	Well over 90 per cent. of alcohol related admissions to hospital for this age group come via accident and emergency. Few admissions come from other sources such as GPs or planned admissions, indicating a small burden on longer term services.
	
		
			  Table 1: Drinking last week by sex—people aged 16 to 19 in 1998 to 2004 
			  Percentage 
			   1998( 1)  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004 
			  Drank last week   
			 Men 63 63 59 57 63 59 
			 Women 56 56 57 52 58 51 
			
			  Drank more than 8/6 units( 2)  on at least one day   
			 Men 31 33 27 27 31 30 
			 Women 23 24 27 26 26 22 
			 (1) 1998 data are unweighted (2) Binge is defined as those drinking 8/6 units on at least one day a week  Source: Statistics on Alcohol: England, 2006—The Information Centre for health and social care. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Counts of finished admission episodes for patients aged 16-19 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of selected alcohol related diseases( 1) , NHS Hospitals, England 1998-99 to 2005-06 
			   Admission via A and E  Admission not via A and E  Unknown method of admission 
			 2005-06 7,237 354 5 
			 2004-05 5,665 334 5 
			 2003-04 4,415 308 4 
			 2002-03 3,635 278 3 
			 2001-02 3,795 280 4 
			 2000-01 3,894 329 9 
			 1999-2000 4,400 275 0 
			 1998-99 4,114 294 9 
			 (1) Alcohol related diseases defined as following ICD-10 codes: F10: Mental and behavioural disorders due to use of alcohol K70: Alcoholic liver disease T51: Toxic effect of alcohol  Note: Finished admission episode. A finished admission episode is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that admissions do not represent the number of in patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year.  Source: Hospital Episode Statistics, The Information Centre for health and social care.

Blood: Screening

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she has had with Coventry Teaching Primary Care Trust on the provision of blood test clinics.

Caroline Flint: The provision of blood test clinics is a matter for the relevant local health community. However, the NHS West Midlands reports that the Coventry Teaching primary care trust has recently introduced changes to its blood test clinics with the aim of providing a more clinically appropriate and efficient service.

Cancer Treatment

Christopher Fraser: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much financial support her Department gave to the cancer collaborative on  (a) breast cancer,  (b) lung cancer,  (c) prostate cancer and (iv) colorectal cancer in each of the last eight years.

Rosie Winterton: Information is not available for the financial years prior to 2001-02 and the available information was not recorded in the format requested.
	The table shows the annual allocations to the national health service from the Department to support the employment of local staff and continuation of projects run by the cancer services collaborative-improvement partnership (CSC-IP). These amounts do not include those funds used to support the central co-ordinating team of the CSC-IP.
	
		
			  Financial year  Allocation (£000) 
			 2001-02 5,532 
			 2002-03 6,685 
			 2003-04 9,409 
			 2004-05 18,787 
		
	
	From the financial year 2005-06 onwards, the monies to support the CSC-IP were devolved to the NHS for local management. Information on these funds is not collected centrally.

Cancer Treatment

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent estimate she has made of the average length of time it takes for a new cancer treatment to go from the laboratory discovery to being available from the NHS.

Caroline Flint: The Department has made no estimate of the length of time it takes a medicine to go from discovery to use in the national health service. The length of time will vary considerably from drug to drug. Information supplied by the pharmaceutical industry suggests that medicines typically take 10 to 12 years to come to market. These estimates are not specific to cancer medicines.

Carbon Monoxide

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning in 2006.

Caroline Flint: Data giving the number of deaths in 2006 as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning are not yet available. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has indicated that data on death registrations for 2006 will not be available until April or May 2007 and data on death occurrences for 2006 will not be available until October or November 2007.
	The ONS usually provides data for carbon monoxide deaths based upon deaths occurring in each year and the ONS anticipates the 2006 data would not be available until late November 2007.
	The latest ONS data available for England and Wales for 2005 indicates 257 deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning(1).
	(1) The cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code T58.

Cholesterol

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will set targets for improving the  (a) total cholesterol and  (b) low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels among patients at high risk of coronary heart disease in England; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Our policy on cholesterol targets is set out in the national service framework for coronary heart disease, and reflected in key drivers of practice such as the quality and outcomes framework of the general medical service contract.
	One of the principal mechanisms for updating policy is through the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE is currently working on guidance on lipid management, due out later this year. That guidance will set out any revisions to current policy on targets for controlling cholesterol.

Cholesterol

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information she collects on the  (a) total cholesterol and  (b) low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of (i) patients at high risk of coronary heart disease and (ii) patients suffering from diabetes; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The new General Medical Services (GMS) contract specification encourages primary care practices to identify patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and diabetes and to control cholesterol in those patients. The following tables show the percentage of available points achieved against these indicators across England demonstrating that general practitioner practices are making good progress in improving control of cholesterol in patients with cardiovascular disease.
	The applicable quality and outcomes framework (QOF) indicators and the overall percentages are as follows:
	
		
			  CHD 8: Percentage of patients with coronary heart disease whose last measured total cholesterol (measured in the last 15 months) is 5mmol/l or less. 
			  QOF  Overall percentage CHD 8 for England 
			 2004-05 72 
			 2005-06 78 
		
	
	
		
			  Stroke 8: Percentage of patients with TIA or stroke whose last measured total cholesterol (measured in the last 15 months) is 5mmol/l or less 
			  QOF  Overall percentage stroke 8 for England 
			 2004-05 63 
			 2005-06 72 
		
	
	
		
			  DM 17: Percentage of patients with diabetes whose last measured total cholesterol within previous 15 months is 5mmol/l or less 
			  QOF  Overall percentage DM17 for England 
			 2004-05 72 
			 2005-06 79 
			  Notes: Please note some patients may be excluded from the indicator because of exceptions and exclusions. Only patients registered with a general practice participating in QOF will be included

Cirrhosis

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children under 18 years were diagnosed with alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver in each of the last 10 years.

Caroline Flint: The table shows details of children under 18 years who were diagnosed with alcohol related cirrhosis of the liver in the last 10 years.
	
		
			  Count of finished consultant episodes (FCE) for primary and secondary diagnosis of K70.3 alcoholic cirrhosis of liver for under 18-year-olds 1996-97 to 2005-06 
			   Number 
			 2005-06 1 
			 2004-05 0 
			 2003-04 1 
			 2002-03 0 
			 2001-02 0 
			 2000-01 1 
			 1999-2000 0 
			 1998-99 0 
			 1997-98 0 
			 1996-97 0 
			  Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The Information Centre for Health and Social Care

Class A Drug Addicts

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her most recent estimate is of the number of  (a) cocaine and  (b) heroin addicts in England.

Caroline Flint: We do not have estimates of numbers of heroin and cocaine addicts but recent Home Office research, using 2004-05 data, has provided estimates of numbers of people who are problematic users of opiates or crack cocaine or of both types of drugs.
	There are no good estimates for problematic powder cocaine users. Crack cocaine users and opiate users are those included in the new estimates.
	The estimated number of opiate users aged 15 to 64 in England (including heroin and methadone users) is 281, 320 (95 per cent. CI(1) 279,753 to 292,941).
	The estimated number of crack cocaine users (not including powder cocaine users) is 192,999 (95 per cent. CI 188,138 to 210,763). However, it should be noted that this estimate will include crack cocaine users for whom crack cocaine is not necessarily their main drug of use.
	Many of the opiate users and crack cocaine users are the same people and there are an estimated 327,466 (95 per cent. CI 325,945 to 343,424) people who use either opiates or crack cocaine or use both types of drugs.
	(1) 95 per cent. confidence intervals show the range of values within which we can be 95 per cent. sure that the 'true' PDU estimate lies.

Clinical Assessment, Treatment and Support Services

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether a guarantee has been made to an independent sector provider that GPs will refer to them an agreed proportion of referrals for clinical assessment treatment and support services in the North West of England.

Andy Burnham: No contracts have been signed for clinical assessment, treatment and support (CATS) services in the North West of England. The commercial terms of the CATS service for Cumbria and Lancashire are still under negotiation with the preferred bidder. There are no guarantees in respect of the number of referrals. The commercial terms between the Department and the bidder are commercially sensitive.

Clinical Assessment, Treatment and Support Services

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to assess the competence of the staff of independent providers in providing  (a) clinical assessment treatment and support services and  (b) elective surgery.

Andy Burnham: Providers must demonstrate that all workforce strategies, policies, processes and practices comply with the provisions outlined in 'Safer Recruitment—A Guide for NHS Employers, the Code of Practice for International Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals and Standards for Better Health.'

Clinical Assessment, Treatment and Support Services

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the effect upon levels of employment in NHS trusts of transferring  (a) clinical assessment, treatment and support services and  (b) elective surgery to the independent sector.

Andy Burnham: NHS North West is working with local primary care trusts to assess and manage the impact on acute trusts of introducing clinical assessment, treatment and support services. This includes any possible impact on national health service staff.

Clinical Assessment, Treatment and Support Services

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the length of the decision-making process will be on the implementation of clinical assessment, treatment and support services in Cumbria and Lancashire;
	(2)  what time period there will be between the publication of the consultation on clinical assessment, treatment and support services and the opening of CATS centres in Cumbria and Lancashire.

Andy Burnham: The six primary care trusts covering Cumbria and Lancashire are currently undertaking public consultation on the proposed clinical assessment, treatment and support (CATS) services for the region. This consultation ends on 9 March 2007. The joint primary care trust independent sector commissioning board is due to meet on 21 March 2007 to consider the outcome of the consultation. Further timings will be dependent on the outcome of this meeting.

Cloned Animals and Birds: Food Products

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether meat produced from cloned animals and birds will have to be labelled before entering the market in the EU;
	(2)  whether milk and milk products produced from cloned dairy animals will have to be  (a) approved and  (b) identified as such via labelling in order to enter the market in the EU.

Caroline Flint: The sale of foods and food ingredients derived from cloned animals falls within the scope of the Novel Foods Regulation (EC) 258/97. The authorisation and labelling of novel foods is decided on a case-by-case basis and no applications have been received to date for products derived from cloned animals.

Cloned Animals and Birds: Food Products

Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which scientific advisory committees will examine applications for the import of cloned meat products for food and food ingredients; and which committee will provide advice to Ministers on whether to approve applications.

Caroline Flint: The advisory committee on novel foods and processes would consider applications for the marketing of cloned meat products for food and food ingredients, and would provide advice to Ministers on whether to approve applications.

Cloned Animals and Birds: Food Products

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether meat from  (a) cloned animals and  (b) offspring of cloned animals may be sold for human consumption; and what regulations apply to the (i) processing and (ii) labelling of the products of cloned animals.

Caroline Flint: The sale of foods and food ingredients derived from cloned animals falls within the scope of the Novel Foods Regulation (EC) 258/97. The authorisation and labelling of novel foods is decided on a case-by-case basis and no applications have been received to date for products derived from cloned animals. Meat from cloned animals and the offspring from cloned animals cannot therefore currently be sold for human consumption.

Cloned Animals and Birds: Food Products

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what investigations into the safety of meat from cloned animals are being undertaken by  (a) the UK and  (b) the EU.

Caroline Flint: No investigations into the safety of meat from cloned animals are currently being undertaken in the United Kingdom or in the European Union. However, at a European Commission (EC) working group on 12 January a number of member states, including the UK, agreed that the European Food Safety Authority should be consulted on this issue. This will be discussed at a forthcoming EC Standing Committee.

Committees: Ministerial Attendance

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what occasions  (a) she and  (b) departmental Ministers have been requested to appear before committees of (i) devolved institutions and (ii) the European Parliament since 2004; on what topic in each case; how many and what proportion of such requests were accepted; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: No central record of ministerial invitations to appear before committees of the European Parliament is maintained.
	However, the Secretary of State did appear before the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee during the United Kingdom European Union Presidency.
	No Ministers have appeared before either the Scottish Parliament or the Welsh Assembly since 2004. The Northern Ireland Assembly has been suspended since 2002.

Complementary Medicine: Prisons

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on acupuncture for prisoners in Category  (a) A,  (b) B,  (c) C and  (d) D conditions in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not held centrally. The provision of alternative or complementary therapies for prisoners is a matter for the primary care trust responsible for commissioning the health service at the establishment concerned.

Coronary and Stroke Care

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the evidential basis is for the statement on page 10 of the National Director for Heart Disease and Stroke's report entitled "Mending Hearts and Brains", published 5 December 2006, that 5 per cent. of patients used to die while waiting up to two years for heart operations.

Rosie Winterton: "Mending Hearts and Brains", the document in which the figure of 5 per cent. features, is a personal report from the National Clinical Director for Heart Disease and Stroke. This figure of 5 per cent. reflects a judgment based on expert professional knowledge and experience rather than research evidence, of which there is little available, on this particular topic. This will be made clear in a revised version of the report which will be made available on the website.
	Data on numbers of people dying while waiting for heart operations are not collected centrally. One article from 1999(1) cites a lower estimate of around 2 per cent. although this is drawn from the New Zealand experience where waiting times were shorter.
	(1 )Reference: Heart 1999; 81:5647

Dental Services

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists are in dispute with the Department of Health over their contracts.

Rosie Winterton: General dental services (GDS) contracts and personal dental services (PDS) agreements are held with primary care trusts (PCTs). The Department collects information on the number of GDS and PDS contract holders that signed their contracts in dispute as at 1 April 2006 and the number of outstanding disputes. These disputes are between the contract holder and the PCT. A contract may cover more than one dentist. As at the end of November 2006, there were 868 outstanding disputes.

Dental Services

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists there are per head of population in  (a) Morecambe and Lunesdale,  (b) Lancashire and  (c) England.

Rosie Winterton: Information is not available in the form requested for the constituency or county. Information is available in this format by primary care trust (PCT) and strategic health authority (SHA). Information for the local PCT and SHA as at 30 September 2006 is provided in the following table.
	
		
			  Numbers of dentists on open NHS contracts per 100,000 population in England and the specified SHA and PCT as at 30 September 2006 
			   Dentists per 100,000 of population 
			 England 40.22 
			 North West SHA 41.86 
			 Morecambe Bay PCT 44.51 
			  Notes: 1. England and SHA population data have been estimated using Office for National Statistics 2005 mid-year population estimates based on the 2001 census. PCT data have been estimated using 2004 mid-year population estimates as these are the latest available at this level. 2. Dentists will be counted more than once if they have contracts in more than one PCT or SHA. The England figure excludes duplication.  Source: The Information Centre for health and social care NHS Business Services Authority

Dental Services

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the number of  (a) pensioners,  (b) low income families and  (c) children under 16 years of age who are not registered with an NHS dentist in Peterborough constituency; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Information on patients not registered with a national health service dentist is not collected centrally. Information available shows patients registered with an NHS dentist and is shown in the table. The latest information available on patients registered was published in August 2006 by The Information Centre for health and social care as part of the 'NHS Dental Activity and Workforce Report March 2006'. Registration data no longer form part of the new contract information, instead the new measure is patients seen within the last 24 months. Data showing patients seen split by adult and child will be published for the first time by The Information Centre as part of the quarter three publication due for release in March 2007.
	General dental services (GDS) and personal dental services (PDS): Patients registered and proportion of the population registered with a dentist, by child and adult, by specific primary care trust, and England as at 31 March 2006 Proportion of population
	
		
			   Patients Registered  Percentage of population registered 
			   Adults  Children  All  Adults  Children  All 
			 North Peterborough PCT 52,870 18,548 71,418 73 79 74 
			 South Peterborough 20,101 12,715 32,816 25 50 31 
			 PCT   
			 England 17,670,283 7,044,134 24,714,417 45 64 49 
			  Notes: 1. The postcode of the dental practice was used to allocate dentists to specific geographic areas. PCT and strategic health authority areas have been defined using the Office for National Statistics all fields postcode directory.  2. Dentists consist of principals, assistant and trainees. Information on NHS dentistry in the community dental service, in hospitals and in prisons is excluded.  3. The data in this report are based on NHS dentists on PCT lists. These details were passed on to the BSA who paid dentists based on activity undertaken. A dentist can provide as little or as much NHS treatment as he or she chooses or has agreed with the PCT. In some cases an NHS dentist may appear on a PCT list but not perform any NHS work in that period. Most NHS dentists do some private work. The data does not take into account the proportion of NHS work undertaken by dentists.  4. 2005 and 2006 data have been estimated using Office for National Statistics 2004 mid-year population estimates based on the 2001 Census as these were the latest available at the time of publication.  5. The boundaries used are as at 31 March 2006.   Sources: The Information Centre for health and social care NHS Business Services Authority (BSA) Office for National Statistics

Depression

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what research her Department has commissioned on the cost-effectiveness of routine screening of populations known to be at high risk of depression;
	(2)  what studies her Department has commissioned comparing the efficacy of different models of therapy offered to those suffering from depression.

Rosie Winterton: The Department has not commissioned any national research and development programme work in these areas. We provide funding for research and development programmes which support policy and provide the underpinning evidence needed for quality improvements and service development in the national health service, but these are devolved to and managed by NHS organisations.
	NHS research and development programmes which are funded this way include the NHS health technology assessment programme, which has commissioned the following projects:
	A pragmatic randomised controlled trial to evaluate exercise prescription as a treatment for depression.
	Clinical effectiveness and cost of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation versus electro-convulsive therapy in severe depression: a multi-centre randomised controlled trial and economic analysis.
	Randomised trial of fluoxetine and cognitive-behavioural therapy versus fluoxetine alone in adolescents with persistent major depression.
	Antidepressant drug therapy versus a community-based psychosocial intervention for the treatment of moderate postnatal depression: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.
	Psychological interventions for postnatal depression - randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation.
	Randomised controlled trial to determine the cost-effectiveness of fluoxetine for mild to moderate depression with somatic symptoms in primary care—threshold for antidepressant treatment.
	Folate augmentation of treatment—valuation for depression: randomised controlled trial.
	Effectiveness of counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy and general practitioner care for depression in general practice.
	A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of counselling with patients with chronic depression and anxiety.
	The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of computerised cognitive behaviour therapy for depression and anxiety.
	Computerised cognitive behaviour therapy for depression and anxiety update: a systematic review and economic evaluation.
	Clinical and cost-effectiveness of electro-convulsive therapy for depressive illness, schizophrenia, catatonia and mania; systematic reviews and economic modelling studies.
	A rapid and systematic review and economic evaluation of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of newer drugs for treatment of mania associated with bipolar affective disorder.
	A randomised controlled trial to compare the cost-effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and lofepramine.

Diabetic Foot Care

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of  (a) provision,  (b) quality and  (c) accessibility of diabetic foot care facilities in (i) Hartlepool Primary Care Trust and (ii) the area covered by the North East Strategic Health Authority.

Rosie Winterton: The provision of diabetic services is determined locally where responsibility for local health services lies. It is now for primary care trusts in partnership with strategic health authorities and other local stakeholders to plan, develop and improve health services for local people.

Digital Hearing Aids

Tony Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the waiting period is for digital hearing aids in each primary care trust area.

Ivan Lewis: The Department does not collect data on waiting times for fitting of digital hearing aids. Since January 2006, we have been collecting waiting time data for diagnostic tests/procedures, including audiology. The monthly diagnostic data for audiology consisted of waits for pure tone audiometry until October 2006 (published in December) when this was extended to cover all audiometry assessments. This information is published monthly on the Department of Health website at:
	www.performance.doh.gov.uk/diagnostics/downloads/monthly/Excel_Download-WEB-Diagnostics_November_Provider.xls
	In order to improve access and reduce waiting times for audiology services, a national action plan is being developed for publication soon.
	In addition to the development of the action plan, the Department has also announced the procurement of up to 300,000 audiology pathways to provide assessment, fitting and follow up.
	Both of these measures will assist in significantly reducing waiting times and will greatly benefit those who receive hearing aids.

Drug Rehabilitation Beds

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many residential drug rehabilitation beds there are; how many are occupied by defendants from the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: There are 115 residential drug rehabilitation services in England with a total of 2,441 beds for drug and/or alcohol treatment. We do not have a record centrally of how many of these beds are occupied by defendants of the criminal justice system.

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust

Janet Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the proceeds of the sale of  (a) Rossendale General Hospital and  (b) the hospital site would be (i) additional to the operating budget of the East Lancashire Hospitals Trust and available to the trust to spend on health provision in Rossendale at their own discretion and (ii) netted off against current or future capital allocation.

Rosie Winterton: Under the current national health service capital regime, if a trust sells a fixed asset, then the value of the asset held in the books must be reinvested in fixed assets such as buildings and clinical equipment. It may not be used to fund the day to day operating costs of services.
	Asset sale proceeds enhance a trust's capital spending power and there is no netting off against future capital allocations. If the trust makes a profit on disposal, in cases where the sale proceeds exceed the value of the asset held in the trust's books, then the profit is available to be reinvested into health provision. Conversely if the trust makes a loss on disposal, the trust must make the necessary decisions to absorb the impact on the overall financial position.
	There are plans at the trust to reinvest part of the land sale receipt into supporting the development of the new health care campus.

Elderly

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent on the Government's Dignity for Older People campaign; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: To date, the costs associated with the Dignity in Care Campaign have been some £118,000. This has funded a nurse summit, two dignity champions events, the development and production of the Dignity Challenge and Dignity Cards, and the development and management of the online Dignity Champions network.

Elderly: Nutrition

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government is taking to ensure that residential care and nursing homes for the elderly meet nutritional requirements; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: The Care Homes Regulations state that homes must provide, in adequate quantities, suitable, wholesome and nutritious food which is varied and properly prepared and available at such time as may reasonably be required by service users. Food in the Regulations includes drinks/fluids.
	The National Minimum Standards (NMS) for care homes for older people require that service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them and that hot and cold drinks and snacks are available at all times and offered regularly. The NMS are under review at present; the intention is to implement any revised standards in late 2007.
	In 2006, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) published nutrient and food based advice for those providing food in care homes. These are "Nutrient and Food Based Guidelines for UK Institutions (October 2006), Food served to Older People in Residential Care" (October 2006) and "Example Menus for Care Homes" (August 2006). They are available on the FSA website at:
	www.food.gov.uk/healthiereating/nutritioncommunity/care.
	Copies have been placed in the Library. The nutrient and food-based guidance for those providing residential care for older people is the first part in a series of guidance documents for United Kingdom institutions. The FSA expects to produce guidance for other institutions, including the national health service and prisons, in early 2007.
	On 23 January, I announced that I intend to convene a summit involving organisations who have experience and are knowledgeable about the challenges of providing good nutrition in care to discuss this issue.

Emergency Bed Days

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total number of emergency bed days has been in the NHS in England in each financial year since 1997-98  (a) in total and  (b) expressed as a percentage of the total number of bed days.

Andy Burnham: The information requested is in the following table:
	
		
			   Number of bed days for emergency admission group  Total number of bed days for all admission groups  Emergency bed days expressed as a percentage of the total number of bed days 
			 1997-98 30,342,827 49,535,706 61.3 
			 1998-99 31,177,520 49,863,665 62.5 
			 1999-2000 31,269,251 49,539,741 63.1 
			 2000-01 32,178,037 50,196,951 64.1 
			 2001-02 32,925,334 50,776,911 64.8 
			 2002-03 33,131,586 51,232,337 64.7 
			 2003-04 33,592,698 51,198,417 65.6 
			 2004-05 33,073,383 50,518,668 65.5 
			  Notes: Bed days during the year for finished episodes. Total bed days during the year from episode start date or 1 April (whichever is later) to episode end date or 31 March (whichever is earlier). Admission methods for the emergency admissions included above are: 21 Emergency—via Accident and Emergency (A and E) services, including the casualty department of the provider 22 Emergency—via general practitioner 23 Emergency—via Bed Bureau, including the Central Bureau 24 Emergency—via consultant out-patient clinic 28 Emergency—other means, including patients who arrive via the A and E department of another health care provider  Data quality Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are compiled from data sent by over 300 NHS Trusts and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in England  Source: Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES), The Information Centre for health and social care

EU Smoking Ban

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the treaty base is of EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou's proposal for an EU-wide ban on smoking in public places.

Caroline Flint: The European Commission published a Green Paper entitled "Towards a Europe free from tobacco smoke: policy options at EU level" on 30 January 2007. Among other issues, the Green Paper discusses the actions that could be taken at a European-level to tackle the issue of second-hand smoke in Europe. Five different policy options are identified, one of which is binding European legislation. The document explains on page 19:
	"The exact legal basis of the legislation could only be determined once the exact nature and scope of the instrument will be defined and this choice will have to take into account the results of this public consultation"
	The Green Paper is available on the European Commission's website at:
	ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/life_style/Tobacco/Documents/gp_smoke_en.pdf
	England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be introducing comprehensive smokefree legislation in 2007—this will mean the United Kingdom population will be protected by smokefree legislation from this summer. The Government welcome the publication of the Green Paper as an opportunity for all interested groups to contribute to thinking at a European-level on smokefree public places and workplaces.

EU Smoking Ban

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions her Department has had with the European Commission on legislation to ban smoking in public places across the European Union.

Caroline Flint: No specific discussions have been held with the European Commission on European Union-wide legislation on secondhand smoke. On 30 January 2007, the European Commission published a Green Paper entitled "Towards a Europe free from tobacco smoke: policy options at EU level".
	England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be following the lead of Scotland in introducing comprehensive smokefree legislation in 2007. The Government welcome the publication of the Green Paper as an opportunity for all interested groups to contribute to thinking at a European level on smokefree public places and workplaces.

Foetal Tissue

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons she refused the offer of funds from Virgin Group Ltd. to support an NHS cord blood bank.

Caroline Flint: holding answer 8 February 2007
	I understand that over 10 years ago, Sir Richard Branson offered to donate £1.5 million to support an NHS cord blood bank, on condition that the Department matched that sum. At the time the Department had already allocated considerably more than £1.5 million to establishing the NHS cord blood bank, therefore Sir Richard's offer did not materialise. We are not aware of any more recent offer.
	Since 2003-04 the NHS cord blood bank, one of the few internationally accredited cord blood banks in the world, has received nearly £4.5 million from the Department to support the work of the cord blood bank.

Food Labelling

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to improve  (a) country of origin and  (b) country of packaging labelling on food products.

Caroline Flint: Country of origin labelling is mandatory for beef, veal, fish and shellfish (whether pre-packed or loose), wine, certain fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oil, honey, and poultry meat from outside the European Union. It is also required on other foods if purchasers might otherwise be misled.
	The European Commission is currently reviewing all labelling legislation, including country of origin. The Government are, in principle, in favour of extending country of origin labelling to a wider range of foods, subject to satisfactory cost benefit analysis.
	In addition to legislative requirements, the Food Standards Agency has produced country of origin best practice guidance to help industry, retailers and caterers to provide additional voluntary information to better inform consumers. The guidance is currently being revised with a view to publication in early 2007.
	The draft revised guidance recommends that if a product carries a packed-in statement that refers to one country, but it is produced in another, the label should make this clear.

Food Labelling

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which companies are participating in the Food Standards Agency traffic light labelling scheme; and how the Food Standards Agency television awareness campaign is being funded.

Caroline Flint: Sainsbury's, Waitrose, the Co-op, McCains, Marks and Spencer and New Covent Garden Food Company are currently using the Food Standards Agency's (FSA) traffic light colour-coded labelling approach. Asda, Budgens/Londis, Avondale Foods, Moy Park, Bombay Halwa, Britannia and S and B Herba have announced their intention to introduce colour-coded front of pack nutrition labelling schemes shortly. A number of other retailers and manufacturers have also expressed an interest in adopting the approach.
	The FSA television advertising campaign is funded by the agency.

Food Labelling

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the budget is for the Food Standards Agency traffic light labelling television advertising campaign.

Caroline Flint: The agency budget for front of pack nutrition signpost labelling advertising activity is £1.9 million.

Food: Television Advertising

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she has had with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on the nutrient profiling model developed by the FSA for the use of Ofcom on television advertising.

Caroline Flint: I have had regular discussions with the Food Standards Agency on the nutrient profiling model. The model enables Ofcom to devise rules on television advertising of foods high in fat, salt and sugars which do not have an unhelpful impact on the advertising of healthier options such as fruit and vegetables. I wrote to the chair of Ofcom on 6 December 2006 indicating our support for the model as an appropriate basis for underpinning regulatory intervention in relation to broadcast food advertising to children.

General Practitioners: Pay

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2007,  Official Report, column 62W, on practice-based commissioning, what plans she has to collect data on component two of the payment; and whether her Department has made any estimate of the proportion of practices in receipt of component two.

Andy Burnham: The Department is collecting data on the amount of money primary care trusts have spent on component two of the Directed Enhanced Service for practice based commissioning. Audited financial outturn data will be available following the end of the financial year.
	Data on the numbers of practices currently in receipt of component two are not collected centrally and the Department has made no estimate of the proportion of practices who have received it.

Health Expenditure

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what expenditure above that already allocated for 2006-07 her Department plans in Hartlepool constituency to improve community and primary care facilities.

Rosie Winterton: In 2006-07, £131.9 million has been allocated to the Hartlepool Primary Care Trust (PCT) and this will rise to £144.2 million in 2007-08.
	Following the introduction of the new general medical service (GMS) contract, the funding for general practitioner premises forms part of the unified allocations made to PCTs. It is the responsibility of individual PCTs to decide locally what is spent on premises or other areas within the terms of the GMS contract.
	However, the Hartlepool area has recently benefited from the results of the LIFT initiative which has seen the completion in August 2006 of the Wynyard Road Primary Care Centre at a cost of £1.2 million.

Health Services

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many clinical assessment, treat and support services are operated by  (a) NHS hospitals and  (b) primary care trusts; and what the average through-put of patients was in each location in the latest period for which figures are available.

Andy Burnham: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Health Services: Greater Manchester

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Bolton, South-East, on 26 January 2007,  Official Report, column 2139W, on integrated clinical assessment and treatment services, what recent figures have been given to her by the NHS North West strategic health authority on the financial impact of the introduction of the independent integrated clinical assessment and treatment services on the foundation and acute trusts in Greater Manchester.

Andy Burnham: The impact assessment of the clinical assessment, treatment and support scheme is still being undertaken. The NHS North West expects to share the findings with stakeholders in spring 2007 once the assessment is complete.

Health Services: Northern Region

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether an assessment has been made by her Department comparing the expected costs of clinical assessment, treat and support services in Cumbria and Lancashire and the development or reconfiguration of existing local NHS services.

Andy Burnham: The clinical assessment, treatment and support (CATS) services for Cumbria and Lancashire will provide clinical consultations, diagnostic tests and minor treatment on one site. Patients using CATS services are likely to attend health services on fewer occasions than under a traditional outpatient care pathway, resulting in lower costs.

Health Services: West Lancashire

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting list times for  (a) patients and  (b) cancer patients of West Lancashire hospitals were in each year since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: Average waiting times for the treatment of cancer patients are not collected centrally. Cancer waiting times standards of a maximum wait of 31 days from diagnosis to first cancer treatment and a maximum wait of 62 days from urgent referral to first cancer treatment were introduced for all cancer patients from December 2005. Data showing performance against these standards for the period July to September 2006 show that patients at the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre NHS Trust achieved 99.7 per cent. and 96.5 per cent. respectively. For the same period Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust achieved 100 per cent. and 97.6 per cent. respectively.
	More detailed information and historic statistics for these standards and the cancer Two Week Wait are available online at:
	www.performance.doh.gov.uk/cancerwaits.
	Information requested on waiting times for all clinical specialties is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Provider-based median inpatient waiting times 
			   NHS trusts 
			   Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Community Health Services  Blackpool Victoria  Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre  Southport and Formby Hospitals  West Lancashire  Southport and Ormskirk Hospital 
			 March 1997 7.3 11.5 — 19.1 19.6 — 
			 March 1998 6.8 11.8 — 21.9 24.6 — 
			 March 1999 7.0 10.5 — 17.9 23.6 — 
			 March 2000 7.6 10.9 — — — 19.6 
			 March 2001 7.0 11.1 — — — 17.7 
			 March 2002 7.0 12.9 — — — 16.9 
			 March 2003 — — 11.6 — — 14.5 
			 March 2004 — — 10.4 — — 11.1 
			 March 2005 — — 8.7 — — 8.6 
			 March 2006 — — 7.1 — — 6.8 
			 September 2006 — — 6.2 — — 6.9 
			 November 2006 — — 5.2 — — 6.0 
		
	
	
		
			  Provider-based median outpatient waiting times 
			   NHS trusts 
			   Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Community Health Services  Blackpool Victoria  Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre  Southport and Formby Hospitals  West Lancashire  Southport and Ormskirk Hospital 
			 March 1997 6.6 4.0 — 8.2 8.0 — 
			 March 1998 5.9 4.0 — 8.6 8.4 — 
			 March 1999 6.4 4.6 — 8.9 9.7 — 
			 March 2000 8.1 6.7 — — — 10.8 
			 March 2001 5.8 6.5 — — — 9.9 
			 March 2002 6.3 7.5 — — — 8.3 
			 March 2003 — — 6.0 — — 7.8 
			 March 2004 — — 6.4 — — 7.6 
			 March 2005 — — 7.0 — — 8.0 
			 March 2006 — — 5.8 — — 6.3 
			 September 2006 — — 4.7 — — 6.1 
			 November 2006 — — n/a — — n/a 
			  Source: Department of Health, KH07 and QM08

Health Start Scheme

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many retailers have been deregistered from the Healthy Start scheme since its inception.

Caroline Flint: No retail outlets have been deregistered from the Healthy Start scheme since its inception in November 2005. To date, over 26,000 retail outlets have been registered to participate in the Healthy Start scheme across Great Britain.

Healthy Living Social Marketing Strategy

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 22 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1589W, on Healthy Living Social Marketing Strategy, which  (a) individuals and  (b) organisations attended the public stakeholder event on 15 December 2006.

Caroline Flint: The stakeholder event on 15 December 2006 was attended by a wide range of external organisations. The Department is unable to disclose personal details of individual delegates who attended this event, as this information is not in the public domain. However, a list of those organisations who attended this event is as follows:
	23 Red
	Ajinomoto
	Amateur Rowing Association
	Amateur Swimming Association
	Arts Council England
	BBC Occupational Risk Management
	Bell Pottinger Group
	Big Lottery Fund
	Biscuit Cake Chocolate and Confectionery Association
	Boots the Chemist
	British Dietetic Association
	British Gymnastics
	British Hospitality Association
	British Nutrition Foundation
	British Retail Consortium
	Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd.
	BTCB
	Business in Sport and Leisure
	Business in the Community
	Cadburys Schweppes Plc
	Cancer Research UK
	CCD Healthcare PR
	CCPR
	Centrica Plc
	Charlton Athletic Community Trust
	Childcare Consultancy
	Coca-Cola Company
	Coca-Cola Services SA
	COI
	Corperformance Consulting Ltd.
	CRUK Health Behaviour Unit, UCL
	CTC, The National Cyclists' Organisation
	Defra
	Department for Culture, Media and Sport
	Department for Education and Skills
	Department of Health
	Diabetes UK
	Digital Public
	Exercise Movement and Dance Partnership
	FA Premier League
	Family Holiday Association/Youth Hostel
	Fast Track
	Fitness Industry Association
	Food and Drink Federation
	Foresight
	Fresh Produce Consortium
	Glasshouse Partnership
	GlaxoSmithKline
	Good Relations Political
	Gymkids
	H. J. Heinz Company Ltd.
	Health and Safety Executive
	Health Inequalities Unit
	HEART UK (Cholesterol UK Committee)
	HPL
	IPC Media
	ITV Plc
	Jamie Oliver—Feed Me Better
	Keen Weight Watchers UK Ltd.
	Kellogg's
	Kraft Foods
	Living Street
	Local Government Association
	Marks and Spencer
	Masterfoods
	McCain Foods
	McDonald's Restaurants Ltd.
	MEND Program
	Munro and Forster
	National Children's Bureau
	Natural England
	Nestle UK Ltd.
	NHS Health Scotland
	NHS London and Sport England London
	NHS North West
	Nickelodeon
	NSMC and DH OSMP Team
	Office of the Children's Commissioner
	OLR
	OxfordSM
	PepsiCo UK
	Pfizer
	Play England
	Pre-School Learning Alliance
	Regional Public Health Group
	RHM Plc
	Royal College of Physicians
	RSA
	Rugby Football Union
	Sainsbury's
	Saracens Foundation
	School Food Trust
	Scottish Executive Health Department
	Slimming World
	Sponsus Ltd. (currently working with FDF)
	Sport England
	Sustain
	The British Heart Foundation
	The Cooperative Group
	The Early Doors Partnership Ltd.
	The Football Association
	The Hyperactive Children's Support Group
	The Obesity Awareness and Solutions Trust
	Titan Publishing Ltd.
	Titterton Nestle
	UK TV
	Unilever UK
	University of Teesside
	Weight Concern
	Whitehouse Consultancy
	Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc
	World Cancer Research Fund
	YMCA Fairthorne Group and YMCA England
	Youth Active
	Youth Sport Trust

Hepatitis C

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether she plans to set targets for the identification of those infected with hepatitis C; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: We have no plans to set national targets for the diagnosis of individuals infected with hepatitis C. In the 'Hepatitis C Action Plan for England', there are two national outcome indicators, drawn from epidemiological surveillance by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), intended to track increased testing.
	The first indicator is the total number of laboratory confirmed hepatitis C infection reports. There has been a significant increase in hepatitis C diagnoses in England reported to the HPA through national surveillance from around 4,700 in 2001 before initial hepatitis C awareness-raising activities begun, to around 7,600 in 2005.
	The second indicator is the proportion of those attending treatment and support agencies for injecting drug users who are aware of their hepatitis C infection. This proportion has increased from 41 per cent. in 2001 to 52 per cent. in 2005.
	Other surveillance sources also indicate that hepatitis C testing and diagnosis is increasing. For example, in the unlinked anonymous prevalence monitoring programme, the proportion of injecting drug users attending specialist services who self-report a previous hepatitis C test has increased from 55 per cent. in 2001 to 71 per cent. in 2005. Sentinel surveillance of hepatitis C testing in nine laboratories from 2002-2005 indicates that overall the number of individuals tested for hepatitis C increased by nearly 40 per cent. Testing by general practitioners and in genito-urinary medicine services both increased by over 50 per cent. and in prisons by around 65 per cent.

Hepatitis C

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the population in England has been identified by the NHS as infected with hepatitis C; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: From 1992, when national surveillance began to 2005, the latest year for which data are currently available, there have been around 54,000 laboratory diagnoses of hepatitis C reported to the Health Protection Agency (HPA). This means that 0.11 per cent. of the population of England has been diagnosed with hepatitis C and reported to the national surveillance system.
	There is some indication from comparison of the number of hepatitis C diagnoses reported through sentinel surveillance in certain parts of the country against those reported to national surveillance that there may be significant under-reporting by laboratories. The HPA's view is that it may be possible that under-reporting of hepatitis C diagnoses to routine surveillance could be significant. This could mean that approximately 100,000 people in England might already have been diagnosed.

Heroin

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what source of supply the national health service uses to acquire heroin for medicinal purposes; whether the supply is sufficient to meet demand; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: There are two suppliers of diamorphine injection to the national health service—Novartis and Wockhardt UK. Both companies are manufacturing to their full available capacity but they are unable to produce sufficient to meet historic levels of demand. We have been in close and ongoing discussions with the suppliers to increase the levels of the drug supplied to the NHS and believe that through careful prescribing and use of available stocks patient care is not being compromised. This is in part because we arranged for the increased production and availability of other alternative drugs such as morphine when the problem arose in December 2004.

Hospital Planning

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice her Department provides to  (a) health trusts and  (b) strategic health authorities on taking steps to ensure that services provided in a hospital setting could not be provided in a community setting.

Andy Burnham: It is a matter for the national health service locally to plan and commission services which are appropriate to the needs of local people.
	However, our vision for providing more services in settings that are convenient for patients was set out in "Our Health, Our Care, Our Say".
	We know from the listening exercise leading up to the White Paper that the public wants more health care closer to home and to support this vision we are evaluating 30 clinically driven closer to home demonstration sites.
	These will test how teams of consultants from six clinical specialties, general practitioners, nurses and other health professionals can safely and effectively provide a range of operations and procedures closer to where people live.
	The recommendations from this project will be used to help inform local commissioning decisions.
	Although one of our goals is to treat people more quickly and conveniently closer to home, this should only be where this is consistent with safety and good quality care.

Hospitals: Waiting Lists

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish the anticipated trajectory on which the percentage of  (a) admitted and  (b) non-admitted patients waiting 18 weeks or less for treatment will migrate towards 100 per cent. by 2008.

Andy Burnham: We have published milestones for March 2008 for both admitted and non-admitted patients of 85 per cent. and 90 per cent. respectively, as a step towards 100 per cent. for December 2008. It is for local organisations to agree their trajectory between these points. Strategic health authorities are currently agreeing these plans for 2007-08 and 2008-09.
	There will always be patients for whom the 18 weeks schedule is inconvenient or clinically inappropriate. The Department intends to set a nationally agreed tolerance for the 18-week target later in 2007 to take account of this. Primary care trusts and providers will need to be able to demonstrate that cases that take longer than 18 weeks to reach the start of first definitive treatment are legitimate exceptions.

Hospitals: Waiting Lists

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 15 January 2007,  Official Report, column 919W, on inpatient waiting times, what percentage of people were removed from the NHS waiting list in each year since 1989-90.

Andy Burnham: The figures are shown in the table.
	
		
			  National provider based inpatient figures from 1989-90 to 2006-07 
			  Financial year  Removals as a percentage of admissions 
			 1989-90 8.4 
			 1990-91 10.0 
			 1991-92 11.5 
			 1992-93 11.7 
			 1993-94 12.7 
			 1994-95 13.4 
			 1995-96 13.5 
			 1996-97 13.5 
			 1997-98 13.6 
			 1998-99 14.9 
			 1999-2000 14.5 
			 2000-01 15.0 
			 2001-02 15.4 
			 2002-03 15.3 
			 2003-04 15.5 
			 2004-05 15.3 
			 2005-06 14.6 
			 2006-07 14.0 
			  Notes:  1. The rate is calculated as using the number of removals divided by the number of admissions plus the number of removals in each year.  2. For 2006-07, the percentage is based on the first two quarters.  Source:  Department of Health, KH06

In Vitro Fertilisation

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines her Department issues on the  (a) drugs and  (b) hormones used in in vitro fertilisation; and if she will regulate to reduce the dosages which may be used.

Caroline Flint: No guidelines have been issued by the Department or the national regulator for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, nor are there any plans to do so.
	Prescribing of drugs for IVF treatment is a matter for the treating clinician's professional judgment, taking account of guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's clinical guideline on assessment and treatment for people with fertility problems and other professional guidance.

Influenza Vaccination

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the impact of the decision to immunise poultry workers against seasonal influenza on the availability of seasonal influenza vaccines for other at-risk groups in the 2006-07 winter.

Caroline Flint: The implementation of the poultry workers policy was made in January, by which time 14.7 million doses of flu vaccine had been distributed to the field. This was more vaccine than used in the seasonal flu vaccination campaign of 2005-06.
	The Department announced the poultry workers campaign in January, and purchased seasonal flu vaccine for this purpose. Therefore the routine seasonal influenza vaccination programme was not adversely affected by the decision to immunise poultry workers.

Influenza Vaccination

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what contingency plans she has in place to assist the NHS in responding to an epidemic of seasonal influenza.

Caroline Flint: The seasonal flu vaccination programme offers protection to vulnerable groups. In addition, antiviral drugs can be used to treat people when flu is circulating in the community.
	The national health service is expected each winter, with local authority and other local agencies, to ensure that plans are in place to ensure it copes effectively with additional seasonal pressures on services. The winter report 2005-06 sets out the NHS achievement over last winter. A similar report will be published this year.

Influenza Vaccination

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2006,  Official Report, column 139W, on influenza, what progress she is making towards 75 per cent. seasonal influenza vaccination coverage in at-risk groups, not including those aged 65 years and over.

Caroline Flint: In 2004-05, vaccine uptake in those under 65 years of age in a clinical risk group was 40 per cent. In 2005-06, vaccine uptake has increased to 48 per cent. in these risk groups.
	We do not yet have comparable final data for 2006-07. Provisional data collected by end of December 2006 indicated that 40 per cent. of people under 65 years of age in clinical risk groups had been vaccinated.

Influenza Vaccination

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in Bolton are entitled to a free influenza injection in 2006-07; and how many have taken up that entitlement.

Caroline Flint: The number of people aged 65 years and over in Bolton Primary Care Trust entitled to a free influenza injection in 2006-07 is approximately 39,500. Of this figure, 70.9 per cent. had taken up this entitlement by the end of December 2006. The number of people under 65 years who are in a medical risk group and who are entitled to a free influenza injection is approximately 21,000 and 45.2 per cent. had taken up this entitlement by the end of December 2006.
	These figures are based on national vaccine uptake data for people registered with a general practitioner practice and are collected by the Health Protection Agency.

Influenza: Disease Control

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which Government Departments and other public sector bodies will be involved in Operation Winter Willow.

Rosie Winterton: Winter Willow part one took place on 30 January 2007 and the following organisations were involved:
	all Government Departments;
	Health Protection Agency;
	Local Government Association;
	Association of Chief Police Officers; and
	the three devolved Administrations.
	Winter Willow part two will take place between 16 and 21 February 2007 and the following organisations will be involved.
	all Government departments;
	Health Protection Agency;
	Association of Chief Police Officers;
	Health and Safety Executive;
	National Blood Service;
	Food Standards Agency;
	all Government offices of the Regions;
	all strategic health authorities;
	all strategic coordination groups (excluding Cumbria and Cleveland);
	10 health communities; and
	the three devolved Administrations.

Inter-authority Transfers

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health who in her Department has power to authorise inter-authority transfers under section 97 of the NHS Act 1977.

Andy Burnham: Under Section 97 of the National Health Service Act 1977 as amended, the Secretary of State may make allotments to strategic health authorities, special health authorities or primary care trusts increasing or reducing the allotments previously so made to them.
	The allotments are made on the Secretary of State's behalf by officers within the Department who are members of the Senior Civil Service.

Inter-authority Transfers

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many inter-authority transfers took place in 2006-07 under section 97 of the National Health Service Act 1977; who the  (a) transferer and  (b) transferee was in each case; and what the value of the transfer was in each case.

Andy Burnham: Inter authority transfers (IATs) are transfers of resource and/or cash limits between two national health service organisations. These transfers represent internal transfers of funding and do not affect the overall national limits for the NHS.
	In the current financial year 3,201 IATs have been processed up to the end of December. The information requested on these transfers has been placed in the Library.

Local Authority Children's Services

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the annual cost to local authority children's services of support to children with no recourse to public funds following the implementation of section 54 of and schedule 3 to the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 and section 9 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 2004; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 12 December 2006
	I have been asked to reply.
	Local authorities participating in the section nine pilot were informed of the arrangements for the reimbursement of costs relating to the assessment and provision of services to children affected by a withdrawal of asylum support under the pilot in April 2005.

Malnutrition

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) children and  (b) adults were admitted to hospital in east Sussex as a result of malnutrition in each year since 1997.

Caroline Flint: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Medical Examinations

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress she has made in developing an NHS life check.

Caroline Flint: We are making good progress with the development of NHS Life Checks for the following target audiences—early years, adolescents and mid-life.
	 Early years
	The early years Life Check is being developed as an integral part of the child health promotion programme. It will focus on the health and development needs of the child during their first year of life, but will also encompass parental health issues that could affect the well-being of the child. The current work programme is focused on scoping and agreeing the core content of the early years assessment, in consultation with key stakeholders and experts.
	 Mid-life
	We are also defining and scoping the core content of the mid-life Life Check. We have initiated a user consultation programme to ascertain the views of a wide range of users on the Life Check's content and format. We are continuing to review the evidence base, gather examples of best practice and obtain input from key stakeholders and experts to determine the precise content of the assessment.
	We anticipate piloting and evaluating these two life checks in the second half of 2007.
	 Adolescence
	We will be launching the adolescent Life Check pilots in February 2007. Teen Life Check is an online interactive tool, which will be hosted on the Department for Education and Skills Need2Know website for the duration of the six-month pilot. Teen Life Check will be promoted and evaluated in the four adolescent health demonstration sites, in Bolton, Hackney, Northumberland and Portsmouth, and on the Teenage Health Freak website.

Mental Health

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what total spending on mental health was in each year since 1997; and what proportion of total health spending this represented.

Rosie Winterton: The information is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Gross expenditure 
			  £000 (cash terms) 
			   Mental illness (MI)  Total secondary health care commissioned  MI as percentage of secondary health care  Total net NHS spend  MI as percentage of NHS spend 
			 1996-97 2,648,191 18,947,018 13.98 32,997,000 8.03 
			 1997-98 2,767,036 19,725,339 14.03 34,664,000 7.98 
			 1998-99 2,925,934 21,426,832 13.66 36,608,000 7.99 
			 1999-2000 3,445,341 26,863,847 12.83 40,201,000 8.57 
			 2000-01 3,951,618 28,924,886 13.66 43,932,000 8.99 
			 2001-02 4,381,312 33,018,655 13.27 49,021,000 8.94 
			 2002-03 4,573,703 36,220,778 12.63 54,042,000 8.46 
			 2003-04 5,179,510 40,377,162 12.83 63,001,000 8.22 
			 2004-05 5,623,977 45,826,279 12.27 69,706,000 8.07 
			 2005-06 6,422,017 46,399,008 13.84 76,387,000 8.41 
			  Note: This information does not include expenditure for people with mental health problems who are seen in primary care or expenditure on such people by local authorities.  Sources: 1. Audited accounts of health authorities 1996-97 to 1998-99. 2. Audited summarisation schedules of health authorities 1999-2000 to 2001-02. 3. Audited summarisation schedules of strategic health authorities 2002-03. 4. Audited summarisation schedules of primary care trusts 2000-01 to 2005-06. 5. Net NHS expenditure 1996-97 to 2005-06.

Midwives: Manpower

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the number of midwives required to meet the target of every pregnant woman having access to her own designated midwife.

Ivan Lewis: There is no national target within the national health service relating to access to a designated midwife.
	Local NHS organisations are responsible for the development of maternity services, ensuring that they meet the needs of their local population and that there are sufficient staff, with the right skills, to ensure access to midwives.
	The Department is currently assessing the implications of the recently published White Paper "Our health, our care, our say: a new direction for community services" and the commitment around offering choice, improving access and continuity of care within maternity services.

Midwives: Manpower

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to reduce the number of hours maternity units close due to vacant posts.

Ivan Lewis: We have put into place a work programme to support the implementation of the work force elements of the maternity commitment as outlined in the maternity standard of the national service framework for children, young people and maternity services and the White Paper "Our health, our care, our say". Local national health service organisations are responsible for developing maternity services in response to the needs of their local population, and for ensuring that they have sufficient staff, with the right skills, to offer appropriate choices.

Midwives: Manpower

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors were taken into account in setting the target of 32 births per year for midwives.

Ivan Lewis: The Government have not set a target of 32 births per year for midwives.
	The birth to midwife ratio varies throughout the country and is dependant on a range of factors including, the model of care, the care setting and the skill mix of the work force. Local organisations should identify an appropriate ratio based on the needs of their local population. Work force planning tools are in place to support this locally.

Midwives: Manpower

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her policy is on the number of visits a pregnant woman should receive from a midwife before a home birth.

Ivan Lewis: In October 2003, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence published guidance on antenatal care. It recommended that a schedule of antenatal appointments should be determined by the function of the appointments. For women at a low risk of complications, a schedule of seven to 10 appointments should be appropriate. For those women who have particular needs and those have difficulty in accessing services, such as the socially excluded, additional antenatal appointments will be necessary. This will in turn improve the outcomes for both the woman and child.

Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust: Rheumatology

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether rheumatology services in Morecambe Bay Hospitals Trust met the 18 week referral target in the last period for which figures are available.

Andy Burnham: The information requested is not available.
	Voluntary collection and reporting of referral to treatment (RTT) data to support the 18-week target has been under way since autumn 2006. Mandatory national RTT waiting time collection for admitted patients begins this month, and for non-admitted patients in April. Publication will begin as soon as the data are of sufficient quality. For admitted data this is likely to be in the spring; for non-admitted data in the summer.

MRSA

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of MRSA were reported at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in  (a) 2004,  (b) 2005 and  (c) 2006.

Ivan Lewis: The number of reports of meticillin resistant  Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia recorded at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals National Health Service Trust from April 2004 to September 2006 is shown in the table.
	
		
			 Reports of MRSA bacteraemia recorded at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust 
			  Time period  Number 
			 April to September 2004 24 
			 October 2004 to March 2005 23 
			 April to September 2005 23 
			 October 2005 to March 2006 16 
			 April to September 2006 26 
		
	
	Information on MRSA bacteraemia in individual hospitals is not published routinely, as it has only been collected at hospital level since October 2005. Prior to this date numbers of MRSA bacteraemia were recorded six-monthly by NHS acute trust only. The Department and the Health Protection Agency are currently considering the publication of the more detailed data, gained through the enhanced recording system.
	The NHS West Midlands strategic health authority reports that the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust is taking a number of measures to reduce MRSA incidence. These include investigating the possibility of setting up isolation wards and potentially introducing a staff testing policy with regard to MRSA. The trust also invited the Department's MRSA team to review their infection control procedures to see what lessons could be learned.

Myasthenia Gravis

Andrew Pelling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the prevalence of myasthenia gravis; what steps the Government is taking to support those who are diagnosed with the disease; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: I have made no estimate of the prevalence of myasthenia gravis.
	Patients with myasthenia gravis are able to access a range of national health service and social care services, which are tailored to meet their individual needs, to help them manage their condition. It is for primary care trusts, in consultation with other stakeholders, to determine which services, including those for people with myasthenia gravis, their local populations require and to ensure the appropriate provision of these services.
	The National Service Framework (NSF) for long-term conditions is supporting local sustained improvements in service quality for people with long-term neurological conditions, including myasthenia gravis. The NSF addresses a range of key issues including the need for equitable access to a range of services, good quality information and support for patients and carers, the ability to see a specialist and get the right investigations and diagnosis as quickly as possible.

National Blood Service

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the projected blood needs of the NHS are for the next five years; how much is expected to be received in donations over the next five years; and what funding is planned for the National Blood Service over the next five years.

Caroline Flint: The National Blood Service (NBS) reviews the demand for blood on a quarterly basis and looks at demand both in the short-term (next two years) and in the medium-term (four to five years).
	For next year, 2007-08, the NBS is working on the planning assumption that annual demand for red blood cells will be 1,855,000 units (which equates to 1,953,000 red cells collected). To put this into context, this year the predicted demand is 1,898,000. These forecasts are currently under review.
	Until 2010-11 the NBS is working on three demand figures (high, medium and low). These figures are being used for both financial and operational (capacity) purposes. The table shows demand and collection figures.
	
		
			   2008-09  2009-10  2010-11 
			  Demand
			 High 1,880,000 1,866,000 1,861,000 
			 Medium 1,809,000 1,795,000 1,791,000 
			 Low 1,709,000 1,647,000 1,602,000 
			 
			  Collections
			 High 1,979,000 1,964,000 1,959,000 
			 Medium 1,904,000 1,889,000 1,885,000 
			 Low 1,799,000 1,734,000 1,686,000 
			  Note: Data provided by the NBS. 
		
	
	The NBS primarily recovers its operating costs for blood by charging national health service trusts and other organisations for the supply of blood components, tissues and other services. These charges reflect the operating costs only, as volunteer donors freely donate all blood and tissues.

National Treatment Agency

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners sit on the board of the National Treatment Agency.

Caroline Flint: The National Treatment Agency currently has one qualified general practitioner sitting on its board.

Neonatal Care

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to include neonatal care in the payment by results tariff.

Andy Burnham: Most secondary care for neonates is already included in payment by results. However, neonatal intensive care is outside the scope of payment by results and subject to locally agreed arrangements. The range of services covered by payment by results is kept under review.

Netcare

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what recent assessment she has made of the health services provided by Netcare in the UK;
	(2)  what recent assessment she has made of  (a) Netcare's experience in delivering healthcare services and  (b) Netcare's procedures for monitoring patients' satisfaction with Netcare's delivery of healthcare services.

Andy Burnham: Private and voluntary health care providers are required to register with, and are inspected by, the Healthcare Commission. Providers are inspected against National Minimum Standards and Regulations for Independent Healthcare issued under the Care Standards Act 2000.
	Reports of the Healthcare Commission's inspections of private and voluntary sector providers are published on its website at:
	www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/homepage.cfm
	In addition to the Healthcare Commission's regular inspections all independent sector providers that provide services to national health service patients through the Department's independent sector treatment centre (ISTC) programme are required to comply with key performance indicators (KPIs), which are enforceable contractually. KPIs cover a range of clinical and non-clinical processes to ensure proper governance of patient care and the provision of health care. Providers also conduct patient satisfaction surveys of the patients they treat and Netcare's overall patient satisfaction is currently 97.8 per cent.
	As part of the ISTC procurement process bidders are invited to negotiate and meet specific criteria including clinical services, finance, work force, information management and technology, and contract management.

Netcare

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the implications of the proposals to award the clinical assessment, treatment and support contract in Lancashire to Netcare for NHS policy on the use of the independent sector in local health care provision.

Andy Burnham: Local primary care trusts are responsible for commissioning health services to meet the needs of their population, including the use of the independent sector providers. The six primary care trusts covering Cumbria and Lancashire are currently undertaking public consultation on the proposed clinical assessment, treatment and support (CATS) services for the region.

NHS Confederation: Finance

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding the Government provided to the NHS Confederation in each of the last 10 years.

Andy Burnham: holding answer 5 February 2007
	The information requested for years 2001-02 to date is recorded in the table as follows. Information before 2001-02 could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Supplier  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 to 5 February 2007 
			 NHS Confederation 299,685 60,420 759,741 1,864,666 202,268 4,544,980 
			 NHS Confederation project company 0 544,139 1,065,665 1,663,516 169,693 762 
			 NHS Confederation trading company 333 0 0 0 0 0 
			 The NHS Confederation trading 0 0 30,795 0 0 0 
			 NHS Confederation (employers) 0 0 0 2,763,803 15,168,260 13,657,398 
			 Total 300,018 604,559 1,856,201 6,291,985 15,540,221 18,203,140

NHS Finance

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the financial effect on the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust of funding being directed to private sector providers for clinical assessment treatment and support services and elective surgery.

Andy Burnham: The six primary care trusts (PCTs) in Cumbria and Lancashire are currently carrying out public consultation on the details of the local implementation of the clinical assessment, treatment and support (CATS) services in the two counties. The consultation covers the locations of the CATS sites, the impact on the wider health services, how the CATS can fit seamlessly into the pathway from general practitioner referral through to local hospitals treatment, and whether the clinical specialties proposed (orthopaedics, rheumatology, ear, nose and throat, general surgery, urology and gynaecology) are the most appropriate. The PCTs are also undertaking a locality impact assessment of the CATS scheme on existing health service providers.

NHS Homeopathic Hospitals

Malcolm Rifkind: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her policy is on the provision of homeopathic treatment by the four NHS homeopathic hospitals in England.

Caroline Flint: These hospitals fall under the jurisdiction of the part of the national health service in which they are based. Any decisions on the services these hospitals provide are therefore the responsibility of these NHS health care organisations. The Government consider that decision-making on individual clinical interventions, whether conventional, or complementary/alternative treatments, have to be a matter for local NHS service providers and practitioners as they are best placed to know their community's needs. In making such decisions, they have to take into account evidence for the safety, clinical and cost-effectiveness of any treatments, the availability of suitably qualified practitioners, and the needs of the individual patient.
	We expect primary care trusts to support innovative and entrepreneurial practices to redesign clinical pathways and secure services that are needed locally and that includes exploring opportunities to develop complementary and alternative health therapies.

NHS Service Delivery and Organisation Research and Development Programme

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what account was taken of the NHS Service Delivery and Organisation Research and Development Programme briefing paper An assessment of the clinical effectiveness, cost and viability of NHS General Practitioners with Special Interest (GPSI) services of September 2006 when the decision was made to announce a shift of NHS care closer to patients, with particular reference to  (a) cost effectiveness,  (b) clinical outcomes and  (c) patient satisfaction.

Andy Burnham: None—this was precluded by the timing of publication. The commitment to offer more NHS services closer to people's homes was announced in the White Paper "Our Health, Our Care, Our Say" which was published in January 2006. Subsequently, in February 2006, we launched the "Care Closer to Home" demonstration project to support delivery of the White Paper commitment. The research paper was published some months later and we will take it into account in evaluating the demonstration project.

Obesity

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the rate of obesity was in  (a) children and  (b) adults in Essex in each of the last 10 years.

Caroline Flint: The main source of data for the prevalence of obesity among children and adults is the Health Survey for England. The information is not available in the format requested.
	The data on obesity prevalence among children are not available by the strategic health authority (SHA). However, data are available for the years 2002-04 combined for the east of England Government office region (GOR), which includes Essex SHA.
	The following table sets out the prevalence of obesity among children in the east of England, broken down by age, in 2002-04.
	
		
			 Prevalence of obesity among children in the east of England Government office region(GOR), by age, 2002-04(1) 
			  Age  Percentage of population 
			 2 to 10 13.4 
			 11 to 15 18.7 
			 2 to15 15.3 
		
	
	
		
			  Age  Bases (unweighted) 
			 2 to 10 743 
			 11 to 15 436 
			 2 to15 1,179 
		
	
	
		
			  Age  Bases (weighted) 
			 2 to 10 808 
			 11 to 15 462 
			 2 to15 1,271 
			 (1) Data are aggregated over the three years, 2002, 2003 and 2004 to achieve a sufficiently large sample size for analysis at this level.  Source: Health Survey for England 2002, the Department of Health. Health Survey for England 2003, The Department of Health. Health Survey for England 2004, The Information Centre. 
		
	
	The following table sets out the observed and age standardised figures for obesity prevalence in adults by Strategic Health Authority (Essex SHA) for the years 1994-96 to 2000-02, and observed values for 2002-04.
	
		
			  Proportion of adults who are obese (BMI over 30) in Essex SHA, by year, England, 1994-96 to 2002-04( 1,2) 
			   Percentage of population 
			   Observed  Age standardised 
			 1994-96 13.7 13.8 
			 1995-97 16.6 16.5 
			 1996-98 19.0 18.3 
			 1997-99 18.9 17.9 
			 1998-2000 20.2 19.4 
			 1999-2001 19.8 19.2 
			 2000-02 20.6 20.2 
			 2002-04(3) 20.9 — 
			 (1 )Data are aggregated over the three years, to achieve a sufficiently large sample size for analysis at this level. (2) Samples have not been weighted for non-response. (3) Age standardised figures not available for 2002-04.  Source: Health Survey for England: Health and Lifestyle indicators for Strategic Health Authorities 1994-2002, the Department of Health. Health Survey for England 2002, the Department of Health. Health Survey for England 2003, the Department of Health. Health Survey for England 2004, The Information Centre.

Paediatric Diabetes: Shropshire

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many people under the age of 15 years were diagnosed with diabetes in  (a) the area served by Shropshire County Primary Care Trust and  (b) each constituency in Shropshire in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many paediatric diabetes specialist nurses were employed by Shropshire County Primary Care Trust in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not held centrally.

Parliamentary Questions

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she will reply to Question 113834, tabled by the hon. Member for Cotswold on 5 January 2007.

Rosie Winterton: A reply was given on 23 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1740W.

Plutonium

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how the Department calculates the maximum dose of Plutonium-239 provided for under article 13 of Council Directive 96/29/Euratom of 13 May 1996 laying down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation.

Caroline Flint: Council Directive 96/29/Euratom does not provide values for minimum dose, rather it provides dose coefficients. Dose coefficients are given for inhalation and ingestion of Plutonium-239 by members of the public. These values were supplied to the European Union by National Radiological Protection Board staff (now the radiation protection division of the Health Protection Agency) working under the auspices of the International Commission for Radiological Protection (ICRP). The reference document is ICRP Publication 72: Age-dependent doses to members of the public from intakes of radionuclides: Part 5, compilation of ingestion and inhalation dose coefficients. Annals of the ICRP 26 (1). Pergamon, Oxford, UK.

Premature Birth

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Health why the medical research expenditure on preventing premature birth figures of £3.7 million for 2004-05 reported to Parliament differed from the figure of £6 million subsequently reported to the BBC.

Caroline Flint: The information given in the written reply the former Minister with responsibility for Delivery and Quality (Andy Burnham) gave the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Amess) on 15 May 2006 was correct. I regret that the figure of £6 million contained in the statement the Department issued on 16 December in response to the Action Medical Research campaign for more funding for research into premature birth was incorrect. Officials have apologised to the charity for the unintentional error.

Resource Accounting

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 8 January 2007,  Official Report, column 62W, on resource accounting, when she plans to look again at reversing the impact of past resource accounting and budgeting reductions on delivery of financial balance on 2006-07.

Andy Burnham: The implications of reversing the impact of past resource accounting and budgeting deductions are currently being reviewed. A decision on this issue will be announced once these considerations are complete.

Sexual Health

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress she is making towards the target announced in her Department's National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV of 27 July 2001  (a) that 60 per cent. of all genito-urinary medicine clinic attenders should take an HIV test and  (b) to reduce the number of newly acquired HIV infections by 25 per cent. by the end of 2007.

Caroline Flint: The targets announced in the sexual health and HIV strategy became national standards in 2002, in line with 'Shifting the Balance of Power' and the need to minimise the number of centrally determined targets. Genito-urinary medicine clinics achieved an uptake rate for HIV testing of 66 per cent. in 2004 and 70 per cent. in 2005, which exceeded the national standard.
	Newly acquired (incident) HIV infections in the United Kingdom occur primarily in gay and bisexual men. Incidence in this group is monitored through unlinked anonymous surveillance of those with previously undiagnosed HIV infection attending a sample of genito-urinary medicine clinics. This surveillance indicates that the level of new infections has been stable since 2001, when the incidence standard was set.

Sexual Health

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what  (a) targets have been set and  (b) budgets have been allocated for testing for sexually transmitted infections in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: Sexual health is a higher priority now than it has ever been. It is one of the top six priorities for the NHS in 2006-07 and was a key feature of the Public Health White Paper "Choosing Health: Making healthy choices easier", copies of which are available in the Library.
	The "Choosing Health" White Paper introduced strengthened performance management for sexual health. In particular, NHS local delivery plan (LDP) targets have been introduced for:
	100 per cent. of patients attending a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) service to be offered an appointment to be seen within 48 hours of contacting a service, by March 2008;
	decrease in the rates of new diagnoses of gonorrhoea; and
	percentage of people aged 15 to 24 accepting chlamydia screening.
	We are making good progress on the GUM target. Already 65 per cent. of patients are seen within 48 hours. This compares with 48 per cent. in August 2005.
	The number of new cases of gonorrhoea fell by 13 per cent. in 2005. This is particularly significant given the previous 10 per cent. fall in cases from 2003 to 2004, and with fewer cases reported across all English regions.
	The chlamydia LDP target will be introduced in 2007-08.
	Sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment is funded through general allocations and is not separately identified. In addition, primary care trusts (PCTs) received funding for implementing the targets in the White Paper "Choosing Health: making healthy choices easier". PCT revenue allocations separately identify funding to support the implementation of "Choosing Health". It is for PCTs to determine how to use the funding allocated to them to commission services to meet the healthcare needs of their local populations.

Sexual Health

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many 15 to 18 year olds in Nottingham Primary Care Trust area  (a) had abortions and  (b) were diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections in each of the last five years.

Caroline Flint: The available information is set out in the following tables.
	
		
			  Number of abortions to women under 19, resident in Nottingham City Primary Care Trust, 2002-05 
			   2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 Total aged under 19 years old 197 192 206 185 
			  Notes: 1. Information by PCT is not available prior to 2002. 2. For reasons of confidentiality, at PCT level, the total number for 15 to18-year-olds can not be released separately from the under 19 total. 
		
	
	
		
			  Diagnoses of selected sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics in 15 to 19-year-olds in Nottingham Primary Care Trust, 2001-05 
			   2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 Females 519 602 594 536 525 
			 Males 187 200 207 234 244 
			 Total 706 802 801 770 769 
			  Notes: 1. Selected STIs where age groups were available include primary and secondary syphilis, uncomplicated gonorrhoea, uncomplicated chlamydia, genital warts (first attack) and genital herpes (first attack). 2. Data on the age band 15 to 18 are not collected centrally.

Sexual Health

Richard Shepherd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the Answer of 25 January 2007,  Official Report, column 2048W, on sexual health, how many girls  (a) under the age of 15 and  (b) aged 15 to 18 years (i) had abortions, (ii) gave birth and (iii) were diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections in Walsall Primary Care Trust area in each year between 1999 and 2005.

Caroline Flint: The available information is shown in the following tables.
	Figures are provided on number of conceptions leading to maternities and abortions for girls aged under 16 and girls aged under 18 from 1999 to 2004 (latest year for which figures are available) so that meaningful comparisons can be made on number of abortions and maternities that occur each year by age of woman. Conceptions data for girls aged under 15 and 15-18 are not readily available by primary care trust (PCT) and can be provided only at a disproportionate cost. In addition, figures for girls aged under 15 are likely to be very small at PCT level and hence would not be provided to preserve individuals' confidentiality.
	
		
			  Conceptions leading to maternities and abortions by age to residents of Walsall PCT, 1999-2004 
			   Conceptions leading to maternity  Conceptions leading to abortion  Total conceptions 
			  Girls aged under 16 year
			 1999 42 28 70 
			 2000 33 24 57 
			 2001 30 31 61 
			 2002 30 24 54 
			 2003 24 27 51 
			 2004 21 17 38 
			 
			  Girls aged under 18
			 1999 223 100 323 
			 2000 199 107 306 
			 2001 184 106 290 
			 2002 223 110 333 
			 2003 205 106 311 
			 2004 174 77 251 
		
	
	
		
			  Total diagnoses of selected sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics, amongst females aged under 20 years of age, Walsall teaching primary care trust, 1999-2005 
			   Females under 20 
			 1999 141 
			 2000 130 
			 2001 130 
			 2002 195 
			 2003 154 
			 2004 141 
			 2005 208 
			  Note: Selected STIs include: infectious syphilis, uncomplicated gonorrhoea, anogenital herpes simplex (first attack), anogenital warts (first attack) and uncomplicated chlamydial infection.  Source: Data in these tables are derived from statistical returns compiled at GUM clinics on the KC60 form (Health Protection Agency).

Small Change, Big Difference Campaign

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 11 January 2007,  Official Report, columns 702-03W, on the Small Change, Big Difference Campaign, if she will breakdown the overall expenditure on the campaign by initiative.

Caroline Flint: The costs for initiatives branded Small Change, Big Difference were for events held in London in April 2006 and in Nottingham in July 2006 which totalled £5,009 and £5,327 respectively. In addition, we spent £3,000 on activities supporting both of these events.

South Staffs Healthcare NHS Trust

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the budget was for South Staffordshire Healthcare NHS Trust for 2006-07;
	(2)  what the budget is for  (a) Good Hope Hospital and  (b) Sir Robert Peel Hospital in (i) 2006-07 and (ii) 2007-08.

Caroline Flint: The information requested is not available centrally.
	The Department is able to take total income and net operating costs data from the organisations' audited accounts, which can be used as a proxy for budget. However, 2006-07 income figures will not be available until autumn 2007 and 2007-08 data will not be available until autumn of 2008.

Strategic Health Authorities

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will assess the merits of abolishing strategic health authorities; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: Following consultation that ended on 22 March 2006, the number of strategic health authorities (SHAs) reduced from 28 to 10 with effect from 1 July 2006. This new configuration will ensure the national health service is structurally able to deliver the next stage of health reforms.
	Taken alongside the reorganisation of primary care trusts (PCTs), these changes will:
	strengthen the architecture of the local NHS;
	save money by streamlining management and administration to provide better value for money so greater resources can be dedicated to patient care. This is another step towards creating an NHS which is patient-led; and
	cut out unnecessary bureaucracy by bringing together administration services and reducing the duplication of administration, human resource functions, accounts and hospital contract negotiation teams.
	The new configuration of SHAs means they are better placed to oversee and support the development of more strategic PCTs and the move towards more NHS foundation trusts. In addition, through almost complete co-terminosity with Government Office of the Regions' boundaries, joint working between health and local government agencies will be improved significantly.

Street Markets

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps the Department is taking to support and develop the role of local street markets in helping deliver its healthy eating policy;
	(2)  what assessment she has made of the potential role of local street markets in the Government's healthy eating strategy.

Caroline Flint: The extent of evidence on the effectiveness of local street markets in the Government's healthy eating strategy is limited. Anecdotal information, where mobile units have been set up, suggests that they do have merit in deprived areas with low retail density.
	To improve people's access to and raise awareness of fruit and vegetables, the Department has provided funding for community food initiatives in all primary care trusts (PCTs) from April 2006 as part of the 'Choosing Health' allocation to PCTs. These community initiatives followed on from the 66 Lottery-funded 5-A-day pilot initiatives. By working in different settings, including local street markets, these initiatives aim to make it easier for people to eat more fruit and vegetables and achieve their five portions a day.

Strokes

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were reported to have had a stroke and received treatment from the NHS in each  (a) strategic health authority and  (b) primary care trust in (i) 2003, (ii) 2004, (iii) 2005 and (iv) 2006.

Rosie Winterton: The available information has been placed in the Library.

Tobacco Packs

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the outcome was of her consultation on the use of picture health warnings on tobacco packs.

Caroline Flint: The Department has received over 450 formal responses to the consultation on the introduction of picture warnings on tobacco packs. In addition, over 20,000 completed responses were logged on the website:
	www.packwarnings.nhs.uk
	The majority of responses were in favour of the introduction of picture warnings.
	The Department is currently finalising the detail of proposals to introduce picture warnings on tobacco packs. A full report on the consultation will be published alongside the final proposals.

Turnaround Teams

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason information on the amount her Department is funding for turnaround teams is no longer commercial in confidence; how much her Department  (a) spent on turnaround teams in 2005-06 and  (b) expects to spend on such teams in 2006-07; what estimate she has made of the total costs of turnaround support which needs to be met by individual NHS organisations; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: The information is no longer commercial in confidence as contracts are now in place and releasing this information does not jeopardise the tender process. Any new negotiating exercise would not be impacted by these contracts.
	The Department will spend in 2005-06 and 2006-07 about £11 million on the turnaround programme at a national and strategic health authority (SHA) level covering local baseline assessments, a national programme office, one-off local support payments and SHA turnaround directors.
	The local costs of £22.1 million for turnaround support were published in "Public Expenditure on Health and Personal Social Services 2006"—section 5.9, which is available at:
	www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmhealth/1692-i/1692-i.pdf
	For category one and two organisations (as at May 2006), the estimated expenditure for external support on turnaround between January and March 2006 was £4,769,000. The projected costs for turnaround for the financial year 2006-07 is estimated to be £15,830,000. These costs include the Department's contributions of £93,000 towards the cost of the first three months of turnaround support for the category one organisations.
	For category three and four organisations (as at June 2006), the estimated expenditure for external support on turnaround between January and March 2006 was £173,000. The projected costs for turnaround for the financial year 2006-07 is estimated to be £1,306,000.

Volatile Substance Abuse Stakeholders Meeting

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the outcome was of the Volatile Substance Abuse Stakeholders meeting on the research conducted by St. Georges University of London, referred to in her Answer of 25 October 2006,  Official Report, column 1976W, on volatile substance abuse; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: The Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA) stakeholder group were informed at their meeting in December 2006 that the Department intended to renew its contract with St. George's Hospital Medical School regarding the annual report on deaths associated with VSA. The new contract was signed on 20 December 2006.

Waiting Times

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the capacity of the NHS in  (a) Cumbria and  (b) Lancashire to meet the planned target of 18 weeks from referral to treatment by December 2008.

Andy Burnham: By December 2008, patients on consultant pathways can expect a maximum wait of 18 weeks from general practitioner referral to the start of medical or consultant led treatment. It is the responsibility of strategic health authorities to assess local programmes and determine local capacities to meet the delivery of this milestone.

West Hertfordshire NHS Trust

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects West Hertfordshire NHS Trust to have no financial deficit.

Andy Burnham: Every national health service trust has a duty to achieve financial balance. West Hertfordshire NHS Trust is being supported by NHS East of England as well as a turnaround director as they implement their financial recovery plan to restore in-year balance.
	
		
			  West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust 
			  (£000) 
			 2005-06 annual accounts surplus (deficit) (26,785) 
			 2006-07 month three forecast outturn surplus (deficit) (18,000) 
			 2006-07 month six forecast outturn surplus (deficit) (11,500)

West Hertfordshire NHS Trust

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what level of interest was paid on pre-existing debt by West Hertfordshire NHS Trust in each financial year since 1997.

Andy Burnham: The information requested is not available. Before 2006-07 brokerage was in place. From 2006-07, cash support to national health service trusts will be provided by interest bearing loans and deposits issued by the Department.
	All long-term loans will attract interest at a rate equivalent to the National Loans Fund rate at the date the loan is advanced. The interest rate is determined by reference to the prevailing rate at the date the loan is drawn, as notified on the Public Works Loan Board website.
	Loans requested by NHS trusts in 2006-07 are currently undergoing a review process and the interest rate cannot be determined prior to approval and formal letting of the loan.
	NHS East of England has advised that they are not aware of any interest being paid by West Hertfordshire NHS Trust on pre-existing debts.

Westmorland General Hospital

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether there are plans to place a clinical assessment treatment and support services centre at the Westmorland General hospital in Kendal.

Andy Burnham: There are no plans to place a clinical assessment, treatment and support services centre at Westmorland General hospital in Kendal.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Afghanistan

Joan Humble: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will clarify his answer to the hon. Member for North Devon to Question 98013 of 6 November 2006,  Official Report, column 902W, on Afghanistan.

Hilary Benn: DFID had stated that it commissioned the King's Fund to conduct a review of the UK's involvement in provincial reconstruction teams in Afghanistan. This was wrong; the answer should have read "King's College" rather than "King's Fund".

Afghanistan: Microfinance

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding his Department has committed to microfinance in Afghanistan.

Hilary Benn: Since March 2004, DFID has provided £15 million to microfinance in Afghanistan. DFID has committed a further £5 million for 2007-08. In addition, £8 million over three years has been specifically allocated for microfinance in the Helmand province.

Afghanistan: Microfinance

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of microfinance projects in Afghanistan.

Hilary Benn: An interim review of the microfinance sector was carried out between June and August of 2006. The review was commissioned by the Government of Afghanistan, microfinance donors, and the Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan (MISFA) management to assess the current status of the Afghan microfinance sector and MISFA's role in developing it.
	The review found that the Afghanistan Government's MISFA has made significant progress in helping Afghans to invest in income generating activities. Rapidly increasing the number of people receiving loans over a short period has been successful in helping to build the microfinance sector. Nearly 75 per cent. of those receiving loans are women. So far, over £83 million worth of small loans have been given to 234,000 families, shopkeepers, tailors, farmers, builders and others to invest and increase their savings. The review suggested that with continued support and an enabling environment, there is potential for many microfinance institutions (MFIs) to become financially sustainable over the next three years. To date, the role of the MISFA to support the sector has been successful, and justifies a clear need for its continuation to channel funds to the MFIs to improve their capacity, outreach and sustainability. The MISFA's design and implementation can serve as a good example for building microfinance sector in conflict affected countries.
	A further review has been commissioned to look at the impact of microfinance on increasing legal livelihoods in opium poppy cultivating areas. The final report will be placed in the Library.

Africa: EC Aid

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the impact on poverty reduction and development of economic partnership agreements between the European Union and African states; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: The UK Government believe that the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) currently being negotiated between the European Commission and six regional groupings of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries can, if well-designed, promote long-term development, economic growth and poverty reduction in ACP countries, including in Africa. The Government's position paper of March 2005 set out our view of an EPA designed to deliver benefits to ACP countries. It should provide duty and quota-free access into EU markets and simpler and more liberal rules of origin to ensure effective market access. It should allow ACP countries maximum flexibility as regards their own market opening and an effective safeguard mechanism for countries to use in the face of subsidised EU products. ACP regional groups should also be able to decide on the scope of the EPA they negotiate, and whether it includes rules on investment, competition and Government procurement.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance his Department provides to Burmese refugees in  (a) China,  (b) Malaysia,  (c) Bangladesh,  (d) India and  (e) Laos.

Gareth Thomas: DFID does not provide any direct assistance to Burmese refugees in China, Malaysia or Laos; assistance to Burmese refugees in these countries is provided by the European Commission (EC) and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), to which the UK contributes. In India, although DFID does not provide assistance to Burmese refugees directly, DFID supports the Government of India to provide health and education services through a number of centrally-sponsored schemes. These programmes are designed to target some of the poorest and most marginalised groups in India, including in the north-eastern states. In Bangladesh, although DFID does not provide assistance to Burmese refugees, such support is provided by development partners including the EC, the UNHCR and the Dutch, as well as a number of small non-governmental organisations.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what public consultations his Department has held in Burma on implementation of the 3D fund.

Gareth Thomas: The donors supporting the 3D Fund have carried out wide-ranging consultations on the 3D Fund. This has included: discussions with the National League for Democracy (NLD) and other political groups; discussions with representatives of the ethnic-minorities; discussions with the Ministry of Health and other Government Ministries; discussions with the UN and international NGOs; and discussions with civil society.
	On 9 June 2006 the donors held a public meeting in Rangoon to discuss the proposed 3D Fund. The meeting was attended by around 100 representatives from local civil society organisations and provided an opportunity for them to ask questions about the proposed fund and to make suggestions about Fund design. Following the establishment of the 3D Fund, the donors and fund manager have held further meetings with international and local NGOs to discuss fund implementation. Ensuring transparency of 3D Fund activities and ongoing discussions about these with implementing partners will continue to be a priority for the donors.

Departments: Advertising

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the Answer of 15 January 2007,  Official Report, column 740W, on advertising, how much of that spending was spent on  (a) sponsoring supplements and  (b) advertorials; and what the topic of each (i) advertorial and (ii) supplement was.

Gareth Thomas: Details of the spending on  (a) supplements and  (b) advertorials and the topics are as follows:
	
		
			   Topic  Cost (£) 
			  (a) Supplement Eliminating World Poverty—a summary of the UK Government's 2006 White Paper on International Development, setting out an action plan for the next five years. 10,714 
			  (b) Advertorials Reporting the progress made one year after the G8 summit, which in 2005 set out the key objectives of promoting development to end extreme poverty, with a special focus on Africa and responding to climate change. 62,275

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to implement the gender equality duty due to come into force on 6 April 2007.

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department  (a) has taken and  (b) plans to take to ensure that it and related bodies are in compliance with the gender equality duty in the Equality Act 2006 by the April 2007 deadline.

Gareth Thomas: Gender is an integral part of DFID's core business to eliminate poverty overseas. The third Millennium Development Goal specifically promotes gender equality and women's empowerment and evidence shows that gender equality is also key to the achievement of the other MDGs.
	In line with the commitment in this Government's recent White Paper (July 2006) to give greater priority to gender equality DFID carried out an evaluation of how effective the Department has been at achieving gender equality and women's empowerment. This led to the development of a three year Gender Equality Action Plan.
	The Department are also taking the following steps to meet our specific legal responsibilities under the Gender Equality Duty.
	The Department has launched a consultation with staff and policy heads, to review UK based functions and activities to develop our gender equality scheme ahead of the end of April 2007 deadline.
	DFID's Human Resources Division is updating gender monitoring data on our employment functions and will use this evidence to promote equality as necessary. We are now identifying other service areas where we will collect more data on outcomes, such as the uptake of DFID's proposed volunteering scheme and the use of the Development Awareness Fund.
	A network of gender champions has been established across the Department, consisting of senior civil servants, who are responsible for promoting equality and ensuring the Department's action plans are implemented.

Departments: Freedom of Information

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on how many occasions special advisers have been consulted in replying to Freedom of Information requests to his Department; and what his Department's policy is on the role of special advisers in the answering of Freedom of Information requests.

Hilary Benn: The Department for International Development does not keep such records. Special advisers carry out their duties in accordance with the requirements of the "Code of Conduct for Special Advisers".

Departments: Furniture

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many items of furniture were  (a) lost and  (b) stolen from his Department in each year since 1997; and what the value was of those items in each year.

Gareth Thomas: No items of furniture have been reported as lost or stolen since 1997.

Developing Countries: Water

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking to improve the capacity of public sector utilities in developing countries to deliver clean and safe water.

Hilary Benn: Since most water and sanitation services are provided by the public sector, public utilities are critical to achieving the water and sanitation MDG targets. DFID supports several international programmes that aim to strengthen public operators.
	DFID supports the International Benchmarking Network for Water and Sanitation Utilities (IBNET), an international network managed by the World Bank, that increases the transparency of utility performance and monitors their efficiency. Since 2002 DFID has provided £1,055,000 in funding to IBNET. DFID has also funded Building Partnerships for Development (BPD), an informal network that demonstrates, through research, how public, private and civil society partnerships in the water sector can work effectively at the local level. The research is then used to promote further partnerships which help to increase the capacity of local level operators to increase service. DFID supported BPD with £400,000 from 2002-06.
	Sustainable improvements in utilities often require political and institutional changes, not simply improved hardware or technical skills. Ensuring that everyone, including the poorest and most marginalised, is served requires Governments that are capable, responsive and accountable to poor people—ie good governance. In most, if not all, cases where we provide Poverty Reduction Budget Support (PRBS) it is accompanied by support for governance reforms, particularly improved public sector financial management. Where we support sector programmes (as in Ghana or Sierra Leone) support for utility reform is usually a significant component.
	Finding better ways to strengthen public utilities is a high priority for DFID. We are looking both at how we can provide further support to programmes that are working successfully and at identifying new partnership that can make a difference.

Iraq

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of levels of unemployment in Iraq in each year from 1995 to 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: Reliable data are difficult to obtain. Variations are due to differences in the definition of unemployment as well as the lack of a single, official data source.
	An International Labour Organisation (ILO) mission to Iraq in April/May 2000, estimated the unemployment rate as 50-60 per cent. The ILO, which is mandated to provide international definitions of employment, only considers as unemployed, those individuals who are actively seeking work but have not been successful in finding one hour's work in one week. The United Nations and World Bank social and economic needs assessments (carried out after the conflict in 2003) estimated that the unemployment rate before the 2003 war had been around 30 per cent.
	The most recent reliable unemployment data available for Iraq comes from the Iraq Living Conditions Survey carried out in 2004 by the Iraqi Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation/United Nations Development Programme. There is no other more recent comparable survey. The 2004 survey found that the core unemployment rate in Iraq was just over 10 per cent. (using the ILO definition).
	In 2004, Iraq had a working age population of 16.4 million, but only 6.7 million (41 per cent.) were working or actively seeking work. Six million of these were employed, leaving 700,000 (around 10 per cent.) unemployed. The majority of the 9.7 million people considered "economically inactive" (ie above 15 years but neither working nor actively seeking work) were women, who are significantly less likely to engage in paid employment than men (this is common to the region). In addition, young men constitute 15 per cent. of the economically inactive. The majority of young economically inactive men (68 per cent.) say they are studying and thus not available to work. 20 per cent. claim to be "discouraged workers" (ie believe that there are no jobs available and have therefore given up looking for work).

Iraq

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent progress has been made in meeting the millennium development goals in Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: Achievement of the millennium development goals (MDGs) in Iraq depends crucially on achieving an end to violence. Worsening violence not only hampers progress towards the goals but also makes them difficult to measure. Ending the violence—and rebuilding Iraq's economy and public services—is dependent on action from the Iraqi Government themselves. DFID is supporting these efforts by providing expert advice on reconciliation, economic reform and governance.
	 Progress against the MDGs
	Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger—Poverty in Iraq was not measured under the regime of Saddam Hussein, and World Bank data on income and expenditure will not be available until 2008. We do, however, know that global malnutrition is roughly at the same level as in the early 1990s (after rising to much higher levels in the late 1990s).
	Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education—Net enrolment in primary schools has not yet returned to the levels of 1991, after severe deterioration during the 1990s.
	Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women—The gender ratio among primary and secondary students has not improved, and the proportion of women in parliament has decreased since the early 1990s.
	Goals 4-6: Reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, and combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases—Because child mortality increased dramatically at the end of the 1990s, substantial improvements are now required if Iraqi is to meet this goal. Maternal mortality is believed to have increased in recent years. There are no data on HIV prevalence in Iraq, but levels are thought to be very low. Malaria is not a significant public health problem. TB rates are thought to be stable.
	Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability—Access to safe drinking water did not improve between 1990 and 2004. There are no nationally representative data on trends in improved sanitation coverage. UNICEF is expected to provide updated estimates later this year.
	Significant investment in delivery of basic services is required to improve Iraq's performance against the MDGs. Iraq has the resources to fund much of this work itself (with estimated revenues for 2007 of $37.6 billion), but DFID support will help the Government to plan and deliver investment in basic services, improve oil production levels, generate jobs and manage its own resources more effectively. DFID has already provided expert support to key Iraqi Government Ministries such as the Iraqi Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the World Bank and USAID, to mitigate the impact of economic reform on the poorest. DFID has also channelled £70 million of funds through the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI) which has supported back-to-school campaigns, constructed 134 new schools, supplied 79 million new textbooks, rehabilitated 209 primary health centres (PHCs), added seven new mental health units, supported country-wide immunisation programmes, and supplied emergency medical drugs and supplies.
	On gender, DFID's Civil Society Fund has worked with women's civil society organisations to help them to engage more effectively with national decision-makers on key issues. To improve water and sanitation facilities, DFID is funding repairs to water infrastructure in southern Iraq, which will double the volume of water supplied to around 100,000 homes in one of Basra's poorest areas, and boost the supply of drinking water for around half a million people. By late 2007, DFID projects will have improved access to water for around a million people in southern Iraq.

Iraq

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Emergency Public Administration Programme in Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: The Emergency Public Administration Programme (EPAP) ended in July 2005 and its impact was assessed in September 2005. DFID judged that it fulfilled its initial objective: to help the Iraq Government set up key institutions at the centre of government. These included the Prime Minister's Office, the Council of Ministers Secretariat, and the Government Communications Directorate. The team of technical experts advised the Iraqi government on institutional structures and staff roles and responsibilities. They also provided targeted training to help key staff manage the machinery at the heart of government.
	At the same time, the programme also provided vital economic policy advice to the Ministry of Finance during a period when the international financial institutions had no formal presence in Baghdad. This focused on preparing the budget and also provided the Government of Iraq with technical advice to help then negotiate an Emergency Post-Conflict Arrangement (EPCA) with the International Monetary Fund.
	In late 2005, we launched a follow-on programme to provide training and advice to the three central Government institutions. Our 2006 assessment of the support to the centre of government project showed that despite changes in Government personnel, the project has met its objectives. The organisational structures set up under the Iraqi interim Government were successfully built upon when Prime Minister Maliki took office in May 2006. In an environment beset by political and security challenges, efforts to build institutional capacity take time; now staff are more effectively trained and able to develop policy. We expect to continue our support to these institutions during the course of 2007, to consolidate the gains made in public sector management practices at the heart of government.

Iraq

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department's Political Participation Fund in Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: DFID last reviewed the Political Participation Fund (PPF) in July 2005 and is currently conducting a comprehensive project completion review. The aim of the PPF was to increase the participation of poor and marginalised Iraqis in the political process as the country underwent a major transition to a democratic political system.
	Throughout 2005 and 2006, the PPF funded a range of Iraqi NGOs who have run a series of outreach activities. Grants of £5,000 to £300,000 were made to organisations for activities such as workshops to educate voters and written pamphlets to explain the functions and responsibilities of different parts of government. They also organised a series of public television debates with prominent Iraqi politicians.
	Activities were timed to coincide with the two national elections in January and December 2005, as well as the national referendum on the new Iraqi constitution in October 2005. The UN reported that voter turnout increased from 60 per cent. to 70 per cent. between the two elections, including increased participation in poor localities and in Sunni areas.
	The review also showed that the project successfully built the capacity of 25 Iraqi civil society organisations ranging from neighbourhood women's groups, media associations, and union organisations. Each civil society organisation received training in project development and management. Following this support, a number of the organisations have been identified by UN agencies as potential partners for future work.

Iraq: Hospitals

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many  (a) local healthcare clinics and  (b) hospitals there were in Iraq in each year between 1995 and 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: The World Bank reports that there are currently 330 hospitals and 900 health clinics in Iraq. We do not have a yearly breakdown since 1995.
	There has been some progress since 2003, with more than 1,000 healthcare facilities rehabilitated or equipped, and more than 6,000 health workers trained, but there is a very long way to go. The UN and the World Bank trust funds, to which the UK has contributed £70 million, are spending over $120 million to repair hospitals and train staff. The UN has rehabilitated/constructed 209 primary health centres (PHCs) and the World Bank is in the process of improving access to emergency services in 11 hospitals and providing basic medical and laboratory equipment and essential drugs to 12 hospitals. DFID has also supported the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement, which continue to supply life-saving medical support in Iraq.

Iraq: International Assistance

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the number of  (a) emergency health kits,  (b) surgical kits and  (c) additional health kits procured by the World Health Organisation in Iraq using British aid funding in each year since 2003.

Hilary Benn: In 2003, we contributed £6 million to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) appeal to provide rapid reinvigoration of an effective Iraqi health system. The WHO had a number of key objectives in implementing the WHO Jump Start Programme, which was designed to reinforce the Ministry of Health's ability to provide health services and to address the immediate health priorities during the humanitarian and reconstruction process. In addition, DFID has contributed £70 million to the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI), of which £30 million was used by the UN Trust Fund to provide funding to UN agencies, including the WHO's core programmes.
	By March 2003, medical kits containing supplies for basic health care to cover half a million people for three months were available inside Iraq, in addition to the supplies in Government warehouses estimated to be the equivalent of three months of normal consumption. WHO also pre-positioned emergency health kits in neighbouring countries that could support primary health care for 240,000 people for three months. We are unable to provide the actual number of medical kits that were supplied with DFID funding. Since 2003, the WHO has provided consistent support to the Iraqi Ministry of Health (MOH). It has conducted many vital activities, such as rehabilitating key institutions, providing capacity building for MOH staff, together with giving high-level policy support and providing key disease surveillance assistance.

Iraq: International Assistance

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the outcome has been of spending by his Department in Iraq since the invasion in  (a) education,  (b) water and sanitation,  (c) healthcare and  (d) the microfinance sector; and if he will make statement.

Hilary Benn: The UK has pledged £644 million for development and reconstruction in Iraq since March 2003. This includes over £120 million in humanitarian assistance to provide for immediate basic needs, a £70 million contribution to United Nations and World Bank trust funds which carry out work on education and health, and £100 million for reconstruction in southern Iraq.
	In water and sanitation, DFID emergency infrastructure repairs in 2003 increased water supply by up to 30 per cent. in some governorates in southern Iraq. We have replaced 200 kilometres of water mains in southern Iraq and repaired more than 5,000 leaks. Furthermore, we constructed a Water Training Centre in Basra to help Iraqi engineers to build the skills needed to maintain their infrastructure. We are also repairing a water plant which will supply drinking water to approximately half a million people in Basra. By summer 2007, we expect to have finished a £7 million project to construct three water towers to provide tap water for a further 500,000 people. These projects have generated thousands of workdays for local people.
	In education and health, DFID has channelled most of its assistance through financial contributions to international organisations and through the UN and World Bank trust funds. In education, over 5,000 schools have been rehabilitated; more than 100,000 primary and 40,000 secondary schools teachers have been trained; and over 70 million new textbooks distributed. In healthcare, over five million children have received life- saving vaccinations. More than 1,000 healthcare facilities have been rehabilitated or equipped, and more than 6,000 health workers trained. Through extensive disease control programmes, the prevalence of Leishmaniasis, measles, malaria and polio has declined.
	The US, with support from DFID, has supported microfinance initiatives. Two institutions, operating across Iraq, have made US$78 million worth of loans to over 40,000 clients.

Iraq: International Assistance

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans his Department had for  (a) water and sanitation projects and  (b) electrification projects in Iraq prior to the invasion.

Hilary Benn: Prior to the invasion of Iraq in 2003, DFID's objective was to ensure that there was sufficient preparation to avert a major humanitarian crisis during, and immediately after, the conflict. Part of this strategy was to facilitate the rapid restoration of essential services such as healthcare, power, and water and sanitation.
	In 2003, DFID's emergency support was provided through financial contributions to the following United Nations agencies:
	
		
			  £ million 
			 World Food Programme 33 
			 UNICEF 16 
			 UNDP 12 
			 World Health Organisation 6 
			 UN Mine Action Scheme 4 
			 UN High Commissioner for Refugees 1.75 
			 Food and Agriculture Organisation 1.5 
		
	
	We also provided £18 million to International Red Cross, and £4 million to a number of non-governmental organisations. These organisations all had experience of working in Iraq, and thus had well-established local networks and a capacity to quickly deliver assistance on the ground. They moved into Iraq soon after the major conflict ended and rapidly set up effective humanitarian operations.
	Maintaining clean water supplies and effective sewage systems was a high priority. DFID's contribution to UNICEF helped repair water and sanitation facilities, and where necessary, supplied water by tanker while supplies were disrupted. Sewage removal in Baghdad was a major issue and given high priority by the coalition provisional authority. Similarly, with funding from DFID, UNDP bought essential equipment for hospitals and a water purification plant, and repaired water-pumping stations.
	To improve the supply of electricity immediately after the conflict, UNDP undertook technical assessments of the problems and followed up with emergency repairs. The projects UNDP completed include essential repairs to overhead transmission lines and power generation plants to maintain Iraq's national electricity grid. It also repaired electricity substations and bought tools so that Iraqi engineers could maintain them.

Iraq: Schools

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many  (a) primary schools,  (b) secondary schools and  (c) higher education institutions there were in Iraq in each year between 1995 and 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: There are approximately 6 million Iraqi children enrolled in 19,000 primary and secondary schools. The following table, provided by the World Bank, is based on statistics obtained by UNESCO for a situation analysis of education in Iraq and the Iraqi Ministry of Education:
	
		
			   Primary schools  Secondary schools 
			 1995-96 10,665 3,047 
			 1996-97 10,908 3,113 
			 1997-98 11,027 3,325 
			 1998-99 11,126 3,466 
			 1999-2000 11,373 3,614 
			 2000-01 11,709 3,809 
			 2001-02 12,398 3,963 
			 2002-03 13,087 4,116 
			 2003-04 13,776 4,270 
			 2004-05 14,366 4,332 
			 2005-06 14,856 4,643 
		
	
	A range of international agencies have been involved in constructing and rehabilitating schools since May 2003, with the United States as the major bilateral partner and the United Nations and World Bank providing support mainly through the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI). DFID has contributed £70 million to IRFFI. Current plans are for 6,400 schools to be rehabilitated or constructed. 5,100 have already been completed.
	Iraq's current higher education system comprises 20 universities and 47 technical institutes under the management of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR). This includes 200 colleges, 800 departments, and 28 research centres. There are in addition 10 private colleges offering programmes in computer sciences, business administration, economics and management. The latest UNESCO survey of 2004 found a total student enrolment of 251,175, 42 per cent. of whom are women. Almost 50 per cent. of the students are enrolled at the five universities in Baghdad. Two universities have less than 2,000 students while Baghdad University enrols two thirds of all students.

Latin America Departmental Staff

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many staff from his Department were based in each Latin American country in each of the last three years; and how many are expected to be based in each country in each of the next three years.

Gareth Thomas: The following table indicates the number of staff based in each Latin America country in the last three years and the current financial year:
	
		
			   2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 Bolivia 15 11 9 8 
			 Brazil 27 15 7 7 
			 Honduras 5 7 — — 
			 Nicaragua 15 16 13 13 
			 Peru 8 7 — — 
		
	
	DFID plans to maintain its current levels of staffing during 2007-08. Any decisions about staffing levels beyond 2007-08 in Latin America and elsewhere will be taken in the context of the comprehensive spending review.

Latin America: Overseas Aid

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding has been provided by his Department to each Latin American country in each of the last three financial years; and what funding is planned in each of the next three financial years.

Gareth Thomas: DFID aid for Latin America since 2003-04 is shown in the following table and includes direct bilateral aid, as well as support though NGOs.
	
		
			  £ 
			  Destination name  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			 Argentine Republic — — — 
			 Bolivia 7,056,854 5,401,807 3,103,179 
			 Brazil 6,910,154 5,027,700 2,387,322 
			 Chile 351,152 436,715 790,121 
			 Colombia 350,886 541,016 381,918 
			 Costa Rica 121,541 17,057 5,957 
			 Cuba 153,626 184,296 -10,044 
			 Ecuador 192,595 158,797 217,204 
			 El Salvador 106,956 74,627 5,493 
			 Guatemala 236,938 196,060 85,483 
			 Haiti 129,747 2,027,103 1,282,616 
			 Honduras 910,066 959,736 1,301,741 
			 Mexico 70,791 96,871 12,186 
			 Nicaragua 1,292,542 2,592,966 4,160,450 
			 Panama — — — 
			 Paraguay — 4,860 2,772 
			 Peru 2,807,442 3,990,316 1,603,963 
			 Venezuela — — — 
			 Total 20,691,292 21,709,927 15,330,360 
		
	
	This information, as well as details of aid from other UK official sources, is available in Table 12.2 of the Statistics for International Development (SID) report which SID can be accessed under the publications section of the DFID website.
	In addition to bilateral aid, the UK makes contributions to the EC, the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Multilateral shares are reported by calendar year, and the latest information available is for 2004.
	A breakdown of the UK's contributions by country since 2003 is given as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
			   2003  2004 
			 Costa Rica 0.3 0.9 
			 Cuba 0.5 0.7 
			 El Salvador 2.5 2.4 
			 Guatemala 2.5 2.7 
			 Haiti 1.0 4.8 
			 Honduras 10.4 6.9 
			 Mexico 1.0 1.9 
			 Nicaragua 12.5 8.0 
			 Panama 0.3 0.9 
			 Argentine Republic 0.6 1.0 
			 Bolivia 14.4 5.6 
			 Brazil 6.8 6.1 
			 Chile 0.8 1.8 
			 Columbia 2.5 4.6 
			 Ecuador 1.3 1.8 
			 Paraguay 0.4 0.6 
			 Peru 3.5 2.2 
			 Uruguay 0.4 1.1 
			 Venezuela 1.0 1.5 
			 Total 62.7 55.5 
		
	
	Since April 2006, DFID's only bilateral programme in Latin America is to Nicaragua—the only low-income country on the continent. The programme budget for Nicaragua is £4 million in each of 2006-07 and 2007-08. In addition, DFID currently has plans to allocate £8 million in 2006-07 and 2007-08 to the Latin America regional programme. Decisions about funding allocations to Latin America countries from 2008-09 will be taken in the context of the comprehensive spending review.

Liberia: Health Care

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will take steps during the Liberia donor conference in February  (a) to help Liberia maintain its provision of free health care and  (b) to support the strengthening of health systems in that country.

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he plans to take during the donor conference for Liberia in February to  (a) help Liberia maintain its provision of free healthcare and  (b) support the strengthening of health systems in Liberia.

Hilary Benn: DFID officials will attend the Liberia Partners' Forum in Washington this month, including a meeting on health, where maintenance of free health care will be one of the key issues.
	DFID strongly supports the provision of free basic health care in Liberia. In this critical period, as Liberia begins the transition from humanitarian relief to post conflict reconstruction and development, it is essential that free health care is provided within the context of wider Government-led health sector reform, clear national priorities and strengthening of national health services. This includes sustainable and predictable financing, building human resources for health, sound procurement and supply chains, and institutional reform. DFID has been supporting the development of a National Health Policy and National Health Plan.
	DFID is planning support of £3-4 million per annum to the health sector in Liberia. We will continue to support humanitarian NGOs working in direct health service delivery until December 2008, ensuring that urgent gaps are filled, with additional emphasis on local level capacity building. DFID is also supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) with the establishment of appropriate financial and human resource management procedures covering fiscal policy, systems, activities, staffing and equipment. DFID will also provide support for the transitional implementation plan, which will help the MoH to resume some health care responsibilities including secondary health care in Monrovia, payroll, drug supply and incentives for health workers. DFID is planning assistance with the design of a multi-donor pooled fund to help support the MoH budget for this work.

Overseas Aid: Trade Unions

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much funding was provided from the public purse to  (a) the Trades Union Congress and  (b) individual unions for overseas development work in each of the last five years.

Hilary Benn: DFID's grants to the Trades Union Congress (including TUCAid) over the last five years were as follows:
	
		
			   Amount (£) 
			 2002-03 25,600 
			 2003-04 95,600 
			 2004-05 277,578 
			 2005-06 245,630 
			 2006-07 246,211 
		
	
	DFID's grants to individual trade unions (and other trade union bodies) over the last five years were as follows:
	
		
			   Amount (£) 
			 2002-03 270,178 
			 2003-04 244,483 
			 2004-05 309,375 
			 2005-06 618,580 
			 2006-07 257,894 
		
	
	In the individual trade union figures, we have included grants given through the Civil Society Challenge Fund, Development Awareness Fund (raising awareness in the UK), and DFID support to Iraqi TUs (through British Council).
	We have broadened this out to include other trade union bodies (other than TUC) as some CSCF and DAF grants go to organisations such as the General Federation of Trade Unions and the Commonwealth Trade Union Council.

Parliamentary Questions

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many parliamentary questions were tabled to his Department in 2006, broken down by  (a) ordinary written and  (b) named day; what percentage of ordinary written questions were answered within 10 working days; and what percentage of named day questions were answered by the specified date.

Gareth Thomas: A total of 1,935 parliamentary questions were tabled to DFID in 2006, of which 1,758 were ordinary written and 177 named day. DFID's own records do not contain a breakdown of whether they were answered within 10 working days. However, it is obtainable from the  Official Report.

South America

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department's Andean Unit; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: In late 2006, DFID commissioned an independent evaluation of the Regional Assistance Plan for Latin America. This involved a visit to Bolivia and Peru, and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society, World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank colleagues. The evaluation concluded that to date, the DFID Andes office has had significant impact in strengthening the poverty focus of the international financial institutions, and in disseminating innovative approaches to development in the Andes region and beyond.
	Once the evaluation report is finalised, DFID will share it with partners, and use it to examine options for future engagement in the Andes region.

South America

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions  (a) he and  (b) his officials have had on the future of his Department's Andean Unit.

Gareth Thomas: At present, planning is under way for the successor to the current Regional Assistance Plan in Latin America. A range of options are being considered, including how the Department will engage in the Andean region. Officials have had lengthy discussions on future plans with colleagues in the international financial institutions (World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank) as well as UK NGO's working in the region. A recently-commissioned independent evaluation of DFID's work in the Andes found the office to have had significant impact in improving the poverty focus of the international financial institutions.
	To date, no decision has been made on how DFID will work in the Andes region. I will hold discussions with officials on this in due course, and a decision will be made in the coming months.

Uganda: Peace Negotiations

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much financial support his Department gave to the Lords Resistance Army negotiating team participating in peace talks with the Ugandan Government in Juba; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: In October 2006, the Juba Initiative Fund was established by the UN to provide financial support to the peace talks between the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda. The UN called for £2.5 million in contributions and the UK made a contribution of £250,000. Other donors have included Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands and Norway.
	The fund has been used to help pay for the running costs of the Mediation Secretariat overseeing the talks and the team that was created to monitor the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. It was also agreed that expenditures could cover the accommodation and food costs of all the delegates at the talks, including those representing the LRA. However all these costs have been paid by the UN directly to the hotels used and no delegates have received cash payments.
	The UN has recently reported to us that by the end of December 2006, it had spent approximately £1.4 million from the fund overall. We are awaiting a more detailed breakdown of expenditures which will include details on how much was spent on individual items including food and accommodation.
	The LRA delegation left Juba in late December and they are currently refusing to return. They are demanding that the venue of the talks and the mediator be changed. Efforts are being made to try and persuade them to return and continue dialogue, led by UN Special Envoy Joaquim Chissano. A number of the LRA delegates are currently staying in Nairobi. The Juba Initiative Fund is not being used to finance their accommodation or living costs in Kenya.

UK Aid

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will take further steps to ensure that UK aid channelled through international multilateral institutions is no longer subject to the condition of privatisation of public services including energy production following the announcement of a new policy on aid conditionality in March 2005.

Hilary Benn: Following the launch of the UK policy on conditionally, improving the use of conditions by multilateral institutions has been a high priority. The majority of these efforts have focused on the World Bank and IMF and some important progress has been made.
	In 2005 the UK agreed to provide £100 million in addition to our core funding of the World Bank if progress was made on harmonisation and conditionality. The first £50 million was linked to the bank carrying out a thorough review of its practice and current thinking on conditionality. In September 2005 the bank's governors endorsed this review along with five new 'Good Practice Principles' for the use of conditions which accord well with the principles underlying the UK policy on conditionality.
	We also secured an agreement that the bank management would report to the board on progress after one year. The first report did not provide sufficient information and in September 2006, we told the bank that we would withhold our second contribution of £50 million until we saw clear evidence that the principles were being applied. President Wolfowitz agreed to produce a fuller report, which was discussed by the bank's board in December. In our view, this thorough and candid report provided the evidence that the bank has made the satisfactory progress on conditionality that is required to release the second £50 million contribution.
	The report also reiterated bank management's strong commitment to make further improvements in its use of conditionality. For example:
	avoiding conditions on sensitive policy areas if government ownership is uncertain or the political environment is fragile;
	early and more proactive disclosure of the bank's analytic work;
	reducing the number of benchmarks;
	specifying the progress expected so that an assessment can be made of the impact of the programme on the poor and the bank's contribution to that programme.
	Going forward, further progress on conditionality will be a central consideration in our funding of the next replenishment of the World Bank, which begins in March. We asked the bank to produce its next report on conditionality later this year and to consult with developing country Governments in order to hear their views on how things are changing.
	The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has a set of conditionality guidelines that are aligned with the principles adopted by the bank. The IMF's most recent internal review demonstrated an improved focus of conditions within its area of core competence on macroeconomics. In addition a detailed report by the fund's independent evaluation office is currently being finalised. This will examine the IMF's use of conditions in areas such as privatisation and trade liberalisation.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Advertising

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department has spent on advertising with  The Guardian newspaper including online, advertorials and advertising features in the latest year for which figures are available.

Liam Byrne: The Home Office spent £4,294 on direct advertising with  The Guardian newspaper in 2005-06. The Department does not retain records of how much its contractors spend with particular media outlets, for example the Central Office of Information, which manages most of the Department's publicity campaigns.

Animal Experiments

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent research his Department has conducted to ensure that the regulatory regime takes account of developments in animal testing.

Joan Ryan: We make every effort to keep abreast of developments relevant to the use of animals under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. For example, our professional inspectorate maintains awareness of developments taking place within United Kingdom research laboratories, and of relevant publications.
	Issues relating to the use of animals for toxicity and safety studies fall within the remit of the Inter-departmental Group on the 3Rs, which the Home Office leads and membership of which includes relevant United Kingdom regulators. We are informed of work on the validation of replacement alternatives within Europe through the United Kingdom representative on the Scientific Advisory Committee to the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM).
	In addition, the Home Office contributes funding to and liaises with the National Centre for the Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) which was established by the Government in May 2004 to co-ordinate and stimulate research and practice in the 3Rs—the refinement of scientific procedures; reduction in numbers of animals used; and their replacement wherever possible. The NC3Rs funds high-quality 3Rs research and facilitates the exchange of information and ideas, the identification of knowledge gaps, and the translation of research findings into practice to benefit both animals and science.

Animal Experiments

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he plans to review the licensing process for permission to conduct experiments on animals.

Joan Ryan: Regulation of the use of animals under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 is the subject of the Animals Scientific Procedures Better Regulation Programme which forms one strand of the Home Office Simplification Plan announced in December 2006.
	The objectives of the programme are to simplify current regulatory requirements and administrative processes under the 1986 Act and reduce compliance costs by 25 per cent. by 2010 while maintaining animal welfare standards. The programme will actively involve operational level practitioners from industry and academia and those with a special interest in animal welfare.
	We have no plans for any further review of the licensing process under the 1986 Act pending publication by the European Commission of proposals for a revised European Directive 86/609/EEC, which the 1986 Act transposes into United Kingdom law.

Animal Experiments

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish material which takes account of the recommendations and factors identified as relevant within the Animal Procedures Committee review of cost benefit assessment.

Joan Ryan: The Home Office response to the Animal Procedures Committee review of cost benefit assessment under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 was published in March 2005 and is available on the Home Office website. In the response, we agreed to review the information currently published by the Home Office on the cost benefit assessment with a view to expanding and updating it, where necessary. Secondly, we agreed that Home Office officials would work with the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), and others, to identify areas of animal use where concerted effort might deliver specific reduction, replacement and refinement (3Rs) gains in the foreseeable future. The information review has been completed, but publication of updated material has been delayed pending the outcome of current judicial review proceedings which touch on related issues. We hope to be in a position to publish by the end of 2007. The Home Office is working closely with the NC3Rs and others on an on going basis to further the development of the 3Rs and animal welfare.

Antisocial Behaviour

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of  (a) warning letters and  (b) interviews in combating antisocial behaviour.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 8 February 2007
	The Department does not hold data about these informal interventions. However, a recent study and report by the National Audit Office ("Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour", HC 99 Session 2006-07, 7 December 2006) confirmed that a tiered approach to tackling antisocial behaviour is highly effective, with warning letters being used as an example of the simplest sort of intervention.

Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Dewsbury

Shahid Malik: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued in Dewsbury constituency in each of the last five years.

Tony McNulty: Antisocial behaviour order data are not available at parliamentary constituency level.

Asylum

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his response is to the recommendations of the Independent Race Monitor in his 2005-06 Annual Report that initial decisions on asylum cases should be made after an informed inquisitional hearing at which the claimant's legal advisors could appear and argue the facts of the claim directly; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: The Home Secretary's response to the Independent Race Monitor's report 2005-06 (dated November 2006) is published at: http://www.ind.homeoffice. gov.uk/aboutus/reports/independent_race_mon. In this response he indicated that consideration is being given to making the substantive asylum interview one in which the claimant's legal adviser takes a more significant role in the discussion of those aspects of the claim which are accepted and those which are not, thus enabling a more soundly based decision to be reached.
	As part of changes to the asylum process under the New Asylum Model (NAM), the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) and Legal Services Commission (LSC) are currently undertaking a joint pilot at IND's regional asylum team office in Solihull. This seeks to improve asylum decisions through early interaction between the case owner dealing with the application and the applicant's legal adviser to ensure the key issues in the case are identified before the asylum interview. The pilot will be subject to rigorous evaluation, after which a decision will be made about whether to integrate this approach permanently in the asylum processes and procedures.

Asylum

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the nationality of asylum applicants is determined in circumstances where the applicant asserts they are not lawfully entitled to the passport on which they entered the United Kingdom.

Liam Byrne: The nationality of an applicant will be determined by looking at and weighing up all the available documentary and oral evidence. Current guidelines for caseworkers involved in determining nationality in doubtful nationality cases can be read at:
	www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/chapter5/apmsections/nationalitydoubtfulcases.pdf

Asylum

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applicants whose application was made before  (a) 1 January 2001,  (b) 1 January 2002 and  (c) 1 January 2003 have yet to have their case determined by his Department.

Liam Byrne: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary referred to the large number of unresolved records relating to asylum cases in his statement to Parliament on 19 July 2006. The vast majority of these cases are beyond the initial decision stage. In some instances, the records indicate that an initial decision is awaited, but most of these are expected to be due to data errors. Work is under way on data cleansing and aligning the electronic and paper file records. This is focused primarily on the priority cases referred to by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary in his statement to Parliament on 25 July 2006.

Asylum

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is notified of planned early morning immigration enforcement visits to asylum seekers before they occur.

Liam Byrne: Chapters 46 and 47 of the Operational Enforcement Manual (OEM), available on the IND website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk, set out the levels of authority of enforcement visits, including when Ministers are advised about forthcoming operations.

Asylum Seekers

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what period of notice is given to failed asylum seekers before enforcement or removal action is taken against them; and what the normal method of notification is.

Liam Byrne: Where asylum is refused individuals are notified by service of a letter of the decision and reasons for refusal and any statutory appeals rights. If they do not appeal they are expected to make arrangements to leave the UK.
	The Enforcement and Removals Directorate checks on the case information database (CID) for cases where an appeal has not been submitted and the time limit for an appeal has lapsed and for those cases where appeal rights have been exhausted. Officers allow a reasonable period of time before commencing enforcement action and this will depend on the individual circumstances of each case.
	A minimum period of 48 hours notice (including at least one working day) must (other than in prescribed circumstances) be allowed between notification of removal directions to the person being removed, and the removal itself.

Asylum Seekers

Brian Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many failed asylum seekers have been held in detention centres without deportation or release for  (a) more than one year,  (b) more than two years and  (c) more than three years.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only by examination of individual records at disproportionate cost. The information held does not differentiate between failed asylum seekers and others detained under immigration powers.

Asylum Seekers

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his response is to the proposal of the Independent Race Monitor that an independent element should be introduced into decision making on asylum cases; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: I refer my hon. Friend to the written reply I gave to him on 5 February 2007,  Official Report, column 694W.

Asylum Seekers

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to incentivise the Immigration and Nationality Directorate to increase the rate of deportation of failed asylum seekers.

Liam Byrne: Within the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) each local enforcement office has its own targets for removing failed asylum seekers. Immigration officers are expected to contribute towards this but are not set individual targets. IND has been set a 'tipping the balance' target of ensuring the return of more unsuccessful asylum seekers than the number of new applicants who fail to be granted refugee status or any other temporary protection.

Asylum Seekers

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to implement the recommendation from the UK Commissioner on Human Rights in the Quality Initiative Project February-August 2005 that Immigration and Nationality Directorate targets on asylum seeker cases should emphasise high quality of decision making.

Liam Byrne: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recommendation was accepted. We recognise the need for an appropriate balance between the quantity, timeliness and quality of decisions. Specific targets have been set for quality.
	We continue to work closely with the UNHCR to improve further the quality of asylum decisions. In particular UNHCR has had a positive input into the development of measures in the New Asylum Model (NAM) to ensure that case owners are equipped to make high quality and sustainable decisions.
	The first three reports by UNHCR on the Quality Initiative (QI) Project can be found at:
	http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/reports/unhcr

Asylum Seekers

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what response he has made to the conclusion of the Independent Race Monitor in her 2004-05 and 2005-06 annual reports that Immigration and Nationality Directorate officers were under pressure to meet time targets; what time targets are set; how they are determined; and whether they have been changed in the last three years;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the conclusions of the Independent Race Monitor that Immigration and Nationality Directorate officials showed a tendency to disbelieve the accounts of asylum seekers because of negative perceptions about specific countries; which countries these perceptions applied to; and what steps he is taking to eradicate them.

Liam Byrne: The Government's responses to the reports were placed in the Libraries of both Houses and can also be found on the Home Office website. The response sets out in some detail the steps which are being taken to maintain and improve, where necessary, the quality of decision making by officials scrutinising claims for asylum. The relevant time target for the period 2002 to 2006 was to ensure that by 2004 75 per cent. of substantive asylum applications were decided within two months; and that 75 per cent., including final appeal, are decided within six months. Under the new asylum processes, with effect from April 2007 the target is for 35 per cent. of new asylum applications to be concluded within six months, rising annually to 90 per cent. by 2011. These targets are set on the basis of the Government's assessment of the quality of service which can reasonably be expected in the light of the resources available.
	Officials are expected to reach their decisions on the facts of each case, underpinned by objective country of origin information, supplied by the Country of Origin Information Service. Knowledge of patterns of abuse of the asylum process by people of particular nationalities may well be relevant to the overall assessment of a claim, but could not in itself be grounds for its refusal. External assessment of asylum decisions is taken by Treasury solicitors and UNHCR and used to inform our ongoing work on decision quality.

Asylum: Deportation

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on the deportation of failed asylum seekers  (a) while representations are still in process and  (b) before requested meetings with hon. Members have been held; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: Chapter 9.10 and 43.3 of the Operational Enforcement Manual (OEM), available on the IND website at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk, sets out the policy on the removal of individuals, including asylum seekers, while representations are still in process. These processes would also apply before requested meetings with Ministers have been held.

Asylum: Families

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of failed asylum seekers deported in the last 12 months were families with children.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is not available; it would be available only by examination of individual case files at disproportionate cost.
	Information on asylum removals, including and excluding dependants, is published quarterly and annually. Copies of these publications are available from the Library and from the Home Office's Research Development and Statistics website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html

Asylum: Families

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of asylum claims  (a) made and  (b) granted in the last 12 months involved families with children.

Liam Byrne: This information is not available.
	Information on asylum initial decisions, including and excluding dependants, is published quarterly and annually. Copies of these publications are available from the Library and from the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.

Asylum: Families

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what percentage of cases where he ordered deportation in the last 12 months he later reversed his decision; and how many cases involved families with children.

Liam Byrne: These data are not routinely collected and can be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

Asylum: Families

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of failed asylum seekers who were  (a) accompanied children,  (b) unaccompanied children,  (c) spouses of failed asylum seekers,  (d) single applicants and  (e) failed asylum seekers with criminal records were deported in the last 12 months.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is not available; it would be available only by examination of individual records at disproportionate cost.
	Published statistics on immigration and asylum are available on the Home Office's Research Development and Statistics website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html

Asylum: Families

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his comment made on the Today programme of 26 January 2007, that failed asylum seekers are being expelled at a rate of one every 26 minutes, over what period this rate was calculated; what the comparative rate was in  (a) 2005 and  (b) 2001; whether the figure takes account of spouses and children of failed asylum seekers; and whether (i) targets and (ii) incentives are set for Immigration and Nationality Directorate staff regarding expulsion of failed asylum seekers.

Liam Byrne: Failed asylum seekers were expelled at a rate of one every 26 minutes for Q2 2006. There were 5,070 removals, including dependents, during this period.
	The comparative rate in 2005 was a rate of one every 34 minutes based on 15,685 removals, including dependents, and one every 49 minutes for 2001 based on 10,780 removals, including dependents.
	From April 2007, all new asylum applications will be dealt with by Regional Asylum Teams under the new asylum processes. The target is for 90 per cent. of new asylum applications to be concluded—granted or removed—within six months by 2011.
	The new asylum process neither has nor intends any incentive for staff in relation to the expulsion of asylum seekers.

Asylum: Families

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he authorises individual early morning immigration enforcement visits to detain failed asylum seekers.

Liam Byrne: The factors to be taken into account when deciding the timing of a family detention visit are whether it is the best time of day to pick up the whole family as an entire unit, the sensitivity of the immigration visit, whether there may be community or other local difficulties, and whether the purpose of the visit would be frustrated if carried out at a different time. Chapters 46 and 47 of the Operational Enforcement Manual (OEM), available on the IND website, set out the levels of authority of enforcement visits, including when Ministers are advised of forthcoming operations.

Asylum: Iraq

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether  (a) south and central Iraq,  (b) northern Iraq and  (c) the area controlled by the Kurdistan Regional Government within Iraq are presently regarded as safe places to which forced removals from the UK can take place; and whether it is his policy to remove to northern Iraq Iraqi citizens whose original residence was in the south and centre.

Liam Byrne: We closely monitor developments in Iraq, and will take decisions on a case-by-case basis in light of the most current situation. Returns will only be undertaken where we are satisfied the individual has no protection needs. During this early stage of the programme of enforced returns on charter flights, we are removing those individuals who are from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) area of Iraq.

Asylum: Malawi

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what checks are made with the Malawian authorities to ascertain that failed asylum seekers being deported to their country are  (a) entitled to a Malawian passport and  (b) will not be deported from Malawi to a third country.

Liam Byrne: Malawian asylum seekers will be returned to Malawi only where the decision making and independent appeals system have found that this would be consistent with our obligations under the Refugee Convention and ECHR. Where an individual is not a national of Malawi but is entitled to reside there we would take into account any likelihood of their being onwardly removed to another country. The nationality or entitlement of an applicant to reside in a country is determined by looking at and weighing up all of the available documentary and oral evidence. Where a person holds a genuine Malawian passport or other identity document issued by the Malawian authorities, that would normally be enough to show that the holder is entitled to reside in Malawi.

Asylum: Malawi

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers claiming to be Zimbabwean nationals have been removed to Malawi since January 2003.

Liam Byrne: Information on the destination of persons removed from the UK has only been collated since 2004. The latest published information on removal of asylum seekers covers the third quarter of 2006.
	Fewer than three asylum applicants, who were recorded as nationals of Zimbabwe, have been removed from the UK to Malawi, from January 2004 to September 2006. This figure includes enforced removals, persons departing 'voluntarily' after enforcement action had been initiated against them, persons leaving under assisted voluntary return programmes run by the International Organisation for Migration, and (since 2005) those who it is established have left the UK without informing the immigration authorities. This figure is provisional.
	Information on removals of asylum seekers for the fourth quarter of 2006 will be published at the end of February on the Home Office's Research Development and Statistics website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration.html.

Asylum: Work Permits

Peter Soulsby: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers who have been waiting 12 months or more for a decision on their case have applied for permission for the right to work; and how many of these applications have been successful.

Liam Byrne: The employment concession for asylum seekers was abolished in July 2002, but a change to the Immigration Rules in February 2005 made provision for claimants to apply for permission to take up employment if consideration of their case is delayed for more than 12 months and the delay is attributable to IND. Such permission is only given until the asylum application and any appeals have been determined. Those without authority to remain in the UK do not benefit from any concessions allowing employment.
	Information is not held centrally on the number of applicants who have applied for permission for the right to work where consideration of their case has been delayed more than 12 months, nor on the number granted. The information could be obtained only by examination of individual case files, which would be at disproportionate cost.

Bokhari Family

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Bokhari family deported on 22 January 2007 were offered Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme financial help with resettlement in return for departing voluntarily.

Liam Byrne: Throughout the asylum process individuals are made aware of the Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP). The scheme is extensively promoted by IND but the onus is on individuals to apply to the scheme in order to benefit.

Burmese Embassy Demonstrations

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what restrictions have been placed on demonstrations outside the Burmese embassy in London; and why such restrictions have been made.

Tony McNulty: This is an operational matter for the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

Burmese Embassy Demonstrations

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints  (a) his Department and  (b) the Metropolitan Police have received about demonstrations outside the Burmese embassy in London; and from whom.

Tony McNulty: We are not aware of any complaints received by either the Metropolitan Police or the Home Office regarding the protests outside the Burmese embassy.

Burmese Embassy Demonstrations

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests were made during demonstrations outside the Burmese embassy in London in each of the last five years.

Tony McNulty: This is an operational matter for the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

Cannabis

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the average cost of prosecuting an individual for possession of cannabis in the latest period for which figures are available.

John Reid: It is impossible to provide an accurate and meaningful estimate given the wide variety of circumstances in which prosecutions may take place.

Child Sex Offenders

Alan Milburn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 18 December 2006,  Official Report, columns 1660-1W, on child sex offenders, what information the prison IT system holds on the time served by prisoners convicted of sexual offences against children.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The time served by prisoners convicted of sexual offences against children is not available because the offence codes contained on the prison IT system do not distinguish between sexual offences against children and other sexual offences.

Closed Circuit Television: Suffolk

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many publicly-funded CCTV cameras  (a) there are in Suffolk and  (b) there were in each of the last five years.

Tony McNulty: This is a matter for the local authorities in Suffolk.

Committees: Ministerial Attendance

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what occasions  (a) he and  (b) departmental Ministers have been requested to appear before committees of (i) devolved institutions and (ii) the European Parliament since 2004; on what topic in each case; how many and what proportion of such requests were accepted; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ryan: The information is as follows.
	(i) A review of management information systems from both the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly has identified that no Home Office Minister has attended a Committee of either institution since 2004. In both instances, no record is kept of the number of requests made to Home Office Ministers to attend such committees. Such information could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.
	(ii) Ministers in the Department occasionally attend committees of the European Parliament in the course of official business. However, no record is kept of the number of requests made to Home Office Ministers to attend such committees. Such information could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

Community Support Officers: East Midlands

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police community support officers there were in each of the east midlands police forces in  (a) 2001 and  (b) 2006.

Tony McNulty: These data are published in the Home Office Statistical Bulletin series—Police Service Strength, England and Wales. The latest available bulletin contains data as at 30 September 2006, is available in the Library and can be downloaded from:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs07/hosb0407.pdf
	Table 3 in the bulletin contains the numbers of police community support officers in each of the east midlands police forces. Police community support officers were introduced in statute in 2002, therefore data are not available prior to 2002-03.

Community Support Officers: Protective Clothing

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 31 January 2007,  Official Report, column 364W, on police community support officers, what advice the Home Office Scientific Development Branch has given to police forces in England and Wales on the issuing of protective equipment for police community support officers.

Tony McNulty: The Home Office Scientific Development Branch regularly advises police forces with regard to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, they have not been asked to provide advice specific to police community support officers. Additionally, any advice is always on the understanding that suitable risk assessments are carried out by the force to determine if PPE is required and the level of protection that the PPE should offer.

Crime

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people convicted of an offence in the last five years had parents who have been previously convicted of a crime.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Information held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform does not include data on the parents of defendants.

Crime: Suffolk

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many criminal offences committed in Suffolk in each of the last five years resulted in  (a) a prison sentence and  (b) a suspended prison sentence.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The available information is contained in the following table and shows immediate and suspended custodial sentences given in magistrates courts in Suffolk and at the Crown Court if committed by Suffolk magistrates. The Home Office Courts Proceedings Database does not include details as to where crimes are committed.
	
		
			  Persons sentenced to immediate custody or a suspended sentence by Suffolk courts( 1) , 2001-05 
			   Persons sentenced and type of sentence 
			   Number given immediate custody  Number given suspended sentence  Total number sentenced 
			  Suffolk
			 2001 877 17 14,627 
			 2002 908 25 15,925 
			 2003 983 39 16,065 
			 2004 1,109 79 18,647 
			 2005 1,019 297 19,296 
			 (1) Magistrates courts in Suffolk and the Crown Court if committed by magistrates in Suffolk.  Note: Although care is taken in collating and analysing the returns used to compile these figures, the data are of necessity subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system. Consequently, although figures are shown to the last digit in order to provide a comprehensive record of the information collected, they are not necessarily accurate to the last digit shown.  Source: RDS-NOMS, Home Office

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much compensation was granted by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority in each of the last five years, broken down by  (a) constituency and  (b) local authority of recipient.

John Reid: The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority advises that it cannot provide information about compensation paid by a constituency or local authority area.

Criminal Investigation: Broadcasting

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers the police have to force broadcasters to disclose unbroadcast edited material as part of a criminal investigation.

Tony McNulty: Part II of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 enables a constable to gain access to journalistic material that is deemed to be special procedure material by making an application under schedule 1 of PACE to a circuit judge if he or she considers:
	there are reasonable grounds that an indictable offence has been committed;
	that the material exists on premises specified in the application or on premises occupied or controlled by the person specified on the application;
	that the material is likely to be of substantial value; and
	the material is likely to be relevant evidence.

Dale Miller

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when details of Dale Miller's convictions in  (a) Switzerland and  (b) Germany were entered on the police national computer; and which agency entered the details.

John Reid: It would be inappropriate to comment on individual cases.

Data Sets

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  whether the Child Protection Agency, police and local authorities share a common address database for their services;
	(2)  whether the police and ambulance services share a common address database for their services.

Tony McNulty: In most cases, police and other agencies do not use a common address database (gazetteer).
	Police force gazetteers are derived from commercially available files which provide a database of postal address locations. Forces will often tailor these databases to make them more relevant to their police force area. Although other agencies using address gazetteers are likely to use the same or similar underlying data, it is not standard practice to share the same gazetteer.

Data-sharing

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the European Union's plans for EU data-sharing will entail the sharing of data held  (a) in the National Identity Register,  (b) on the National DNA database,  (c) on the NHS Spine and  (d) by the Valuation Office Agency.

Joan Ryan: There are a number of EU initiatives to improve information sharing in the area of Justice and Home Affairs. In principle the UK is keen to share information with EU partners that will add to our ability to protect the public, where the request is in the interest of prevention and detection of crime and taking account of the justification and proportionality of disclosure in accordance with human rights legislation. The Government are supportive of a current initiative by the German presidency of the EU to transpose parts of the Prüm Convention into EU law, which includes provisions on improving the sharing of DNA data.
	The provision of information from the National Identity Register will be regulated by the Identity Cards Act 2006 which includes no power for information to be given to foreign Governments, except in the limited circumstances set out in the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 relating to criminal proceedings carried out by law enforcement agencies overseas. Information about UK NHS patients is not shared with other European health administrations unless the patient has consented, and either has been referred for treatment to a provider in another European state or is seeking care from a provider in another European state (e.g. they are taken ill while abroad). I am not aware of any plans to share data held by the Valuation Office Agency.

Departmental Offices

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what area of office space his Department and its agencies used in central London in  (a) 2004 and  (b) 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: In December 2004 the Home Office and its agencies occupied 103,800 square metres net internal area and in December 2006 104,360 square metres net internal area in the inner London boroughs.

Departmental Travel

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department's expenditure was on foreign travel including accommodation in  (a) 1996-97 and  (b) 2005-06.

Liam Byrne: Separate records were not kept of foreign accommodation costs in 1996-97 and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Costs of foreign accommodation in 2005-06 were £3,775,458.
	The increase in costs over the period reflects the changing nature of the Home Office's business, in particular the growth of international terrorism, migration and international travel. Collaboration and information exchange with other countries on counter-terrorism activities and border control have become increasingly critical to the effective discharge of the Department's responsibilities for asylum, immigration and national security. This has involved higher levels of overseas travel.
	For ministerial foreign travel, which is included in the above, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 19 December 2006,  Official Report, column 1808W.

Freedom of Information

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions special advisers have been consulted in replying to Freedom of Information requests to his Department; and what his Department's policy is on the role of special advisers in the answering of Freedom of Information requests.

Liam Byrne: Special advisers conduct themselves in accordance with the requirements of the code of conduct for special advisers.

Deportation: Algeria

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assurances were sought from the Government of Algeria before the removal to Algeria on 20 and 24 January 2007 of two men who had been detained in the UK under anti-terrorism powers.

Tony McNulty: The British Government seek to remove individuals to Algeria on the basis of assurances regarding treatment contained within an exchange of letters, signed by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and President Bouteflika on 11 July 2006 (copies are in the Library), supplemented by specific assurances where necessary. This approach has recently been endorsed by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC).
	The two individuals referred to voluntarily chose to withdraw their appeals against deportation and were returned to Algeria last month. The general assurances in the exchange of letters will apply to both individuals. Specific assurances were also sought in the case of the individual returned on 24 January. The individual who was returned on 20 January withdrew his appeal before the process of seeking assurances in his case. Officials from the British embassy in Algiers have remained in close contact with the Algerian authorities regarding the deported individuals. Both men were provided with full details of the British embassy's contact details and it was explained that they or a nominated contact point could maintain contact with the British embassy after their return. Neither of the men wished to make such a request.
	The British Government are confident we can deport terrorist suspects to Algeria without breaching the UK's domestic and international human rights obligations. We base this judgment on the changing circumstances in Algeria, on the rapidly developing relationship between the UK and Algeria and on the assurances given by the Algerian Government on individual deportees.

Deportation: Court Orders

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many deportations following court orders have taken place in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is not available and could be obtained only by an examination of individual case records at disproportionate cost.

Deportation: Northern Ireland

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals have received deportation orders from Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; and how many of them are still in the Province.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	On 23 May 2006 my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary set out eight priority areas to achieve our long-term policy goals on foreign national prisoners, including arrangements for the consideration for deportation of foreign national prisoners in custody in Northern Ireland. Prison authorities in Northern Ireland have confirmed that these arrangements are now well established and that no foreign national prisoners within Northern Ireland Prison Service custody have been released without first being considered for deportation.

Detention Centres

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the 32 foreign national prisoners held in Channings Wood prison as at 15 February are still being held at Channings Wood; how many have been released; and how many of those that have been released have been deported.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 23 November 2006
	As of 29 January, four foreign national prisoners who were held at Channings Wood on 15 February 2006 are still being held at that prison.
	The further information requested on those who are no longer at Channings Wood is not centrally held by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and to provide this would involve an individual examination of case files at disproportionate cost.
	Prisoners leave establishments for a number of different reasons including, for example, removal from the UK, or on transfer to other prison establishments or Immigration Removal Centres.

DNA Database

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 25 January 2007,  Official Report, column 2013W, on the DNA database, why the number of individuals on the database registered in the City of London exceeds the number of residents.

Joan Ryan: The National DNA Database shows which force took a DNA sample from the person concerned, not which force area that person resides in. The City of London police area has a very small resident population and most of those who have a DNA sample taken by the force live elsewhere.

Domestic Disturbances

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many domestic disturbance calls were made to the police from Tamworth constituency in each of the last two years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Home Office does not routinely collect data on calls to the police for assistance. However, Staffordshire police have been able to provide the following statistics on the number of domestic incidents reported to the police for the constituency of Tamworth.
	
		
			   Number 
			 2004-05 1,358 
			 2005-06 1,448

Domestic Violence

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to monitor compliance with the gender equality duty in respect of crimes related to domestic violence.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Equal Opportunities Commission (until October 2007) and the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (after October 2007) will be responsible for monitoring public authorities' compliance with the gender equality duty from April 2007.
	The gender equality duty will cover all public functions of a public authority. It will be up to each public authority, in consultation with relevant stakeholders (such as employees and end-users) to decide whether it should treat domestic violence as a priority gender equality objective in its gender equality scheme.
	The Home Office is committed to gender equality and complying with the duty. To support the monitoring of compliance, data collected in respect of crimes related to domestic violence can be disaggregated by gender. The British Crime Survey's Inter-Personal Violence module asks both genders about their experience of domestic violence; and the police also collect data in relation to the gender of both reported victims of domestic violence and alleged perpetrators. In relation to services for victims of domestic violence funded by the Home Office, data returns include fields for both genders in relation to victims supported.

Dr Andrew Lutakome Kayiira

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 29 January 2007,  Official Report, column 133W, on Dr. Andrew Lutakome Kayiira, what assessment he has made of the extent to which the Scotland Yard report into the murder of Dr. Andrew Lutakome Kayiira in Uganda was amended by the Ugandan Government before publication.

Tony McNulty: The contents of the report are a matter for the Government of Uganda.

Drug Offences

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) arrests,  (b) convictions and  (c) cautions for offences relating to (i) possession and (ii) dealing in class (A) A, (B) B and (C) C drugs there were in each police authority area in (1) 2005 and (2) 2006.

Tony McNulty: The requested data are not available.

Drug Users

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many problematic drug users there were in each of the last 20 years for which figures are available.

Vernon Coaker: There is no consistent time series of estimates of the number of problematic drug users over the last 20 years. The Home Office has commissioned research to provide estimates of the number of problem drug users but their developmental nature means that the estimates from different studies are not directly comparable.
	In 2000, a study estimated that the number of Class A problem drug users in England and Wales was at least 281,125 and at most 506,025 with a middle estimate of 337,350.
	In 2000-01, another study used a different methodological approach and estimated that the number of problem opiate, crack cocaine or benzodiazepine users in England to be about 287,670 (within a range of about 275,000 and 300,000).
	A three-year study is currently under way to provide more accurate estimates of the size of the problem drug use population. The first year results estimate there were 327,466 opiate and/or crack cocaine users aged 15 to 64 years in England in 2004-05 (within a range of 325,945 and 343,424).

Drugs: Crack Houses

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crack houses were successfully closed  (a) in England and Wales and  (b) by the West Midlands police in each of the last three years.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 9 February 2007
	The data are not available in the form requested.
	The number of closure orders made in England and Wales in the last three years, as reported by Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, is set out in the following table.
	
		
			   Number of closure orders 
			 2003-04 94 
			 2004-05 286 
			 2005-06 342

Drugs: Rehabilitation

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are being treated on detoxification programmes.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 8 February 2007
	The most recent full year figure is for 2005-06, which showed that there were 53,323 entrants to prison detoxification and drug maintenance programmes.

Electronic Surveillance: Public Transport

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions the Metropolitan Police requested from Transport for London information on journeys made by individuals in each month since the inception of the Oyster Card.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 8 February 2007
	This is a matter for the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

Emergency Calls

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many calls to the police 999 emergency services were classed as being non-emergencies in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 1 February 2007
	Data on the number of non-emergency calls is not collected centrally. This is essentially an operational matter for the chief constable of each force.

Engagements

George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what dates Ministers in his Department made official visits to the London boroughs of  (a) Tower Hamlets,  (b) Newham and  (c) Waltham Forest in each year since 1997.

Liam Byrne: It is custom for a Minister when preparing to make a visit within the United Kingdom to inform the Members of the constituencies to be included within their itinerary.
	Information on ministerial visits within the UK is not collected centrally. The information requested, about visits undertaken since 1997, will be available only at disproportionate cost (£700).

Firearms

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many firearms were surrendered in each police authority area in accordance with the provisions of the Firearms (Amendment) Acts 1997.

Tony McNulty: The information requested is given in the table.
	
		
			   Total 
			  England and Wales  
			 Avon and Somerset 4,495 
			 Bedfordshire 1,374 
			 City of London 133 
			 Cambridgeshire 1,794 
			 Cheshire 2,978 
			 Cleveland 1,065 
			 Cumbria 1,287 
			 Derbyshire 2,554 
			 Devon and Cornwall 5,090 
			 Dorset 3,100 
			 Durham 1,441 
			 Dyfed Powys 1,793 
			 Essex 6,766 
			 Gloucestershire 1,700 
			 Greater Manchester 5,522 
			 Gwent 1,564 
			 Hampshire 5,172 
			 Hertfordshire 2,674 
			 Humberside 1,737 
			 Kent 5,170 
			 Lancashire 3,291 
			 Leicestershire 3,094 
			 Lincolnshire 1,808 
			 Merseyside 3,965 
			 Met Area 1 965 
			 Met Area 2 3,980 
			 Met Area 3 4,486 
			 Met Area 4 5,864 
			 Met Area 5 4,528 
			 Norfolk 3,128 
			 Northamptonshire 1,607 
			 Northumbria 2,561 
			 North Wales 1,817 
			 North Yorkshire 4,025 
			 Nottinghamshire 4,754 
			 South Wales 3,983 
			 South Yorkshire 3,007 
			 Staffordshire 3,947 
			 Suffolk 2,341 
			 Surrey 4,462 
			 Sussex 4,318 
			 Thames Valley 5,626 
			 Warwickshire 1,223 
			 West Mercia 3,687 
			 West Midlands 6,476 
			 West Yorkshire 4,944 
			 Wiltshire 1,876 
			   
			  Scotland  
			 Central Scotland 409 
			 Dumfries and Galloway 352 
			 Fife 430 
			 Grampian 891 
			 Lothian and Borders 1,692 
			 Northern 1,438 
			 Strathclyde 2,933 
			 Tayside 881

Firearms: Amnesties

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Department has to hold a national firearms amnesty; and what assessment he has made of the extent to which such measures are effective in reducing the level of firearms offences.

Vernon Coaker: We are discussing with the Association of Chief Police Officers whether a national firearms amnesty should be held later this year. The last national amnesty in 2003 resulted in the surrender of 44,000 firearms and over a million rounds of ammunition. Taking such potentially lethal items off the streets contributes to community safety but an amnesty is just one aspect of the wider overall strategy. This includes enhancing already tough legislation through the Violent Crime Reduction Act, supporting community activity through the Connected Fund and other project funding, and working with the Association of Chief Police Officers Criminal Use of Firearms Group on a range of issues focusing on prevention, intelligence and enforcement.

Firearms: Crime

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has held on tackling gun crime in  (a) England and Wales and  (b) the West Midlands.

Vernon Coaker: Gun crime was discussed at the Round Table meeting on guns, knives and gangs that was held at the Home Office on 7 February. The meeting was attended by senior representatives from the Association of Chief Police Officers, community members, voluntary bodies and Government Departments. The meeting looked at current work on gun crime, including:
	the measures in the Violent Crime Act, which will introduce a ban on the sale, importation and manufacture of realistic imitation firearms, restricts the sale of air weapons, extends the five year minimum sentence to other offences related to possession of prohibited firearms, and introduces a new offence of using someone to mind a weapon;
	support for local community work through the Connected Fund and other project funding; and
	the work being taken forward by ACPO Criminal Use of Firearms group on prevention, intelligence and enforcement.
	The meeting also discussed what other action might be taken. A further meeting will be held in the next few weeks.

Firearms: Crime

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many firearms offences were committed in England and Wales in each of the last three years.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 8 February 2007
	Available data relate to the number of offences recorded by the police involving the use of a firearm up to and including 2005-06, and were published on 25 January 2007 in 'Homicides, Firearm Offences and Intimate Violence 2005/2006' (Home Office Statistical Bulletin 02/07), which is available as an internet-only release at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs07/hosb0207.pdf.

Firearms: Wales

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether North Wales Police recorded the details, including serial numbers, of the 1,817 firearms handed in following the handgun ban in accordance with the provisions of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997.

Tony McNulty: The way in which the details of firearms surrendered to the police were recorded is a matter for individual chief officers.

Fixed Penalty Notices

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fixed penalty notices were issued for personal robberies in each police force area in each of the last five years.

John Reid: Neither penalty notices for disorder nor fixed penalty notices can be issued for street robberies.

Footpath Gating Orders

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local authorities in (a) England, (b) the North West and (c) Greater Manchester have implemented footpath gating orders using the powers contained within the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.

Tony McNulty: The information requested is not collected centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Foreign National Prisoners

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2007,  Official Report, column 134W, on foreign national prisoners, what data is held by his Department on the offences committed by prisoners released from HMP Peterborough; in what format the data are kept; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 2 February 2007
	The Immigration and Nationality Directorate holds electronic records of offences committed by foreign national prisoners who meet the current criteria for deportation.
	Comprehensive information on discharges, including offences committed by individual prisoners, is not available using data stored on the Prison IT system.
	Prisoners leave establishments for a variety of reasons including, for example, removal from the UK, or on transfer to other prison establishments or Immigration Removal Centres. To provide information on offences committed by individuals transferred across or removed from the prison estate would require a manual search of individual case records which could be carried out only at disproportionate cost.

Highly Skilled Migrant Programme

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many previously successful applicants to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme he expects will be excluded by the recent changes to the scheme; and what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the effect on business and industry of such exclusions.

John Reid: Currently, we are evaluating the impact of the changes to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.
	I have regular discussions with colleagues in Government concerning prospective changes to the immigration rules and the impacts they might have.

Highly Skilled Migrant Programme

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment his Department has made of the impact on the number of skilled workers in the UK of the most recent changes to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.

Liam Byrne: Skilled workers currently in the UK under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) can apply to extend their leave. The rules for the HSMP extension applications have recently been amended to ensure that applicants already in the UK under the programme have been making, and can continue to make, a contribution to the UK economy. The changes were based on a thorough analysis of the HSMP criteria. Individuals applying to extend their leave to remain in the UK under the HSMP must now achieve a minimum of 75 points against robust points scoring criteria (qualifications, previous earnings, age and UK experience, with a provision for MBA graduates from selected institutions) and must also meet a mandatory English language requirement. The points scoring structure is flexible and is based on criteria that will indicate success in the labour market. If an applicant claims fewer points in one area, they can make up for it by claiming more points in another.
	It is expected that the majority of migrants currently in the UK under the HSMP will qualify under the new points test. Transitional arrangements have been put in place to support those existing participants of the HSMP who will fail to satisfy the new points scoring assessment but who have been contributing to the UK economy.

Highly Skilled Migrant Programme

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions his Department has had with  (a) the Indian Government and  (b) other governments regarding recent changes to the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: The Home Office always works closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on changes to the Immigration Rules. If the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise that our international partners would welcome briefing on matters related to the Immigration Rules, the Home Office is willing to provide this.
	In this particular case we provided certain overseas posts, including those in India and Pakistan, with the necessary material to brief their host governments in advance of the change. Some posts took the opportunity to do this. We also have dialogue with foreign diplomatic posts in London, as required.

Prison Ships

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for the use of HMP Weir.

John Reid: The ship formally known as HMP The Weare was sold to a specialist ship broker as an accommodation barge in May 2006. Future decisions as to its use are a matter for the owner.

Holloway Prison

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recreational facilities are available to prisoners at HMP Holloway.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The recreational facilities available include a variety of workshops and educational facilities and a library for prisoners to use.
	There is a pool table on each unit, televisions in all cells for which the prisoners pay £1 a week, and access to exercise yards each day. Prisoners on the enhanced level of incentives and earned privileges have access to DVD players and hand-held play stations. There is access to a gym all week and a swimming pool that can be used at the weekend. Prisoners on the mother and baby unit have access to a relaxation/light room. There are also further facilities such as a hair salon.

Home Detention Curfews

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what  (a) estimate of the number and  (b) assessment of the causes his Department has made of technical failures of the tags used in the Home Detention Curfew Scheme in the last five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The technology used for electronic monitoring has been shown to be reliable over several years. All equipment designs are tested independently before operational deployment.
	Where there are suspected technical failures the Home Office has required suppliers to rectify the problem and sought independent advice on a case-by-case basis. No systematic records of failure numbers have been kept to date, but we are setting up a logging system.

Home Detention Curfews

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedure exists for  (a) reporting and  (b) identifying the causes of technical faults in tags used in the Home Detention Curfew Scheme.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The electronic monitoring service providers inform the Home Office of all equipment malfunctions, including those caused by accidental or deliberate damage. We have started to put in place a procedure for recording systematically how many malfunctions are caused by a technical fault rather than damage by the offender. However, technical faults are rare because all equipment types are rigorously tested before operational use.

Homicide: Young People

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many teenage victims of murder there were in each of the last 10 years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Available data relate to offences recorded as homicide between 1995 and 2005-06 where the victim was aged between 13 and 19 (inclusive).
	
		
			  Offences currently( 1 ) recorded as homicide( 2)  where victims aged between 13 and 19 (inclusive): England and Wales, 1995 to 2005-06( 3) 
			   Number of victims 
			 1995 44 
			 1996 61 
			 1997 37 
			 1997-98 35 
			 1998-99 56 
			 1999-2000 57 
			 2000-01 65 
			 2001-02 67 
			 2002-03 64 
			 2003-04 69 
			 2004-05 62 
			 2005-06 69 
			 (1) As at 9 October 2006; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. (2) Homicide covers the offences of murder, manslaughter and infanticide. (3) Offences are shown according to the year in which the police initially recorded the offence as homicide (murder or manslaughter). This is not necessarily the year in which the incident took place or the year in which any court decision was made.

Homophobia

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what measures his Department  (a) has introduced and  (b) is planning to introduce to record and report the number of incidences of homophobic abuse at football matches;
	(2)  how many homophobic-related offences were committed at football grounds in each year since 1997.

Vernon Coaker: Racist or indecent chanting in football grounds is a criminal offence under the Football (Offences) Act 1991; depending on the circumstances of each case this may include homophobic chanting. There were 56 arrests for the offence in the 2005-06 season, and 52 arrests in 2004-05. The data do not specify the type of chanting involved.
	Local police football intelligence officers provide the UK Football Policing Unit with details of incidents, offences and arrests connected with all league and cup matches in England and Wales. Although I understand this intelligence does not suggest that homophobic chanting is a growing problem developments are kept under review.
	In addition I understand the Premier League and Football League intend to amend generic ground regulations for next season to make clear to all spectators that homophobic and other discriminatory abuse, chanting or harassment may result in arrest and/or ejection from the ground.

Human Trafficking

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home 
	(1)  Department if he will make a statement on plans for the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, with particular reference to the  (a) detection of trafficking through border control,  (b) regime for defining victims of trafficking,  (c) immigration status of victims during the recovery and reflection period,  (d) issue of renewable residence permits,  (e) compensation of victims from the assets of perpetrators,  (f) arrangements for repatriation and return of victims, (g) access to health and education while temporarily admitted,  (h) prosecution of traffickers,  (i) appropriate training and  (j) involvement with the Group of Experts monitoring process.
	(2)  what plans he has for formal United Kingdom accession to the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 5 February 2007
	The Prime Minister announced on the 22 January the intention of the UK Government to sign the Convention. Details on how implementation will be taken forward are currently being developed. It will inevitably take some time to move from signature to ratification of the Convention. The implementation process will involve close co-operation with stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, law enforcement and other Government Departments and agencies.

Human Trafficking

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases involving human trafficking or suspected trafficking have been prosecuted under the charge of facilitation of illegal entry since the beginning of Operation Reflex.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 5 February 2007
	Data from the court proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform for the number of defendants proceeded against for various offences relating to trafficking of people in England and Wales, 2000 to 2005 can be found in the following table.
	
		
			  The number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts for various offences relating to trafficking of people in England and Wales, 2000 to 2005( 1,2,3,4) 
			  Statute  Offence description  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 Immigration Act 1971 Sec 25(1)(a). Knowingly concerned in making or carrying out arrangements for securing or facilitating the entry into the UK of anyone whom he knows or has reasonable cause for believing to be an illegal entrant. 169 190 216 213 18 4 
			 Immigration Act 1971 Sec 25(1 )(b) as added by Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 S.5. Knowingly concerned in making or carrying out arrangements for securing or facilitating the entry into the UK of anyone whom he knows or has reasonable cause for believing to be an asylum claimant. 7 8 3 15 3 — 
			 Immigration Act 1971 Sec 25(1 )(c) as added by Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 S.5. Knowingly concerned in making or carrying out arrangements for securing or facilitating the obtaining of leave to remain in the UK by means which he knows or has reasonable cause for believing to include deception. 5 4 7 8 — — 
			 Immigration Act 1971 S25 as added by Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 S143 Assisting unlawful immigration to member state (was 194/11 and 12) — — — 39 135 99 
			 Immigration Act 1971 S25A as added by Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 S143 Helping asylum-seeker to enter the UK. — — — 8 24 15 
			 Immigration Act 1971 S25B as added by Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 S143 Assisting entry to UK in breach of deportation order or exclusion order. — — — — 2 5 
			 Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants) Act 2004 S.4(2)(5) Trafficking people within the UK for the purpose of exploitation. — — — — — 1 
			 Immigration Act, 1971 Sec 25(2). Knowingly harbouring an illegal entrant (or person believed to be an illegal entrant). 1 2 1 3 1 1 
			 Immigration Act 1971 Sec 25(2). Knowingly harbouring a non citizen who has remained in UK beyond the time allowed or has failed to observe a condition of the leave. 1 — 1 4 — 1 
			 Total  183 204 228 290 183 126 
			 (1) These data are on the principal offence basis. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (3 )The Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants) Act 2004 Section 4 came into force in 2004. (4) Staffordshire police force were only able to submit sample data for persons proceeded against and convicted in the magistrates courts for the year 2000. Although sufficient to estimate higher orders of data, these data are not robust enough at a detailed level and have been excluded from the table.  Source:  RDS Office for Criminal Justice Reform

Identity Cards: Planning Applications

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many planning applications have been made by  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies for identity interview centres; and in which such local authorities applications have been made.

Joan Ryan: There are 69 proposed locations for IPS interview offices and planning applications for change of use have been made (by Mapeley Abl) for 31 of the offices as shown below:
	
		
			  Interview office  Local authority 
			 Glasgow Glasgow city council 
			 Newcastle Newcastle upon Tyne city council 
			 Belfast Belfast city council 
			 Manchester Manchester city council 
			 Leeds Leeds city council 
			 Newport Newport city council 
			 Birmingham Birmingham city council 
			 Peterborough Peterborough city council 
			 Plymouth Plymouth city council 
			 Reading Reading borough council 
			 Liverpool Liverpool city council 
			 Sheffield Sheffield city council 
			 Derby Derby city council 
			 Luton Luton borough council 
			 Blackburn Blackburn and Darwen borough council 
			 Chelmsford Chelmsford borough council 
			 Bristol Bristol city council 
			 Portsmouth Portsmouth city council 
			 Swansea Swansea city and borough council 
			 Middlesbrough Middlesbrough council 
			 Leicester Leicester city council 
			 Wrexham Wrexham county borough council 
			 Stoke on Trent Stoke on Trent city council 
			 Crawley Crawley borough council 
			 Norwich Norwich city council 
			 Dover Dover district council 
			 Ipswich Ipswich borough council 
			 Kendal South Lakeland district council 
			 Lincoln Lincoln city council 
			 Northampton Northampton borough council 
			 Carlisle Carlisle city council 
		
	
	A number of local planning authorities have told IPS that using offices for interviews does not constitute a change of use and does not require a planning application to be submitted.
	No further planning applications will be made.

Identity Fraud

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people in  (a) Chorley constituency and  (b) England and Wales reported being victims of identity fraud in each of the last five years.

Joan Ryan: This information is not available centrally because there is no single offence of identity fraud.
	However, the 250 members of CIFAS, the UK's Fraud Prevention Service for the private sector (mainly financial services companies), recorded 32,737 victims of identity fraud in 2002, 43,094 in 2003, 50,455 in 2004, 56,200 in 2005 and 67,406 in 2006.
	In addition, identity theft and identity fraud questions were incorporated into the British Crime Survey in 2005 and the results should give us more information on the number of victims.

Immigrants

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the number of foreign nationals legally resident in the UK, broken down by category of leave to live in the UK;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the number of foreign nationals legally resident in the UK who  (a) have stayed and  (b) intend to stay for more than six months.

John Reid: It is not possible to say with accuracy how many legal immigrants are present in the country, because there is currently no means of counting those who leave the country of their own accord without informing the immigration authorities.

Immigration

Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of people legally entering the UK for  (a) employment and  (b) residential purposes in each of the last three years.

Liam Byrne: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) produce estimates of long-term international migration of all nationalities, including British citizens and other EEA nationals. The requested information, relating to inward migration, has been extracted from this and is shown in the attached table.
	The latest available Home Office data relate to persons who are subject to immigration control and is published in table 2.2 of the Command Paper "Control of Immigration: Statistics, United Kingdom 2005" which may be obtained from the Library of the House and from the Home Office website:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1 .html.
	The Home Office also publishes information on those accession state nationals who register with the Workers Registration Scheme. These data are available from the Home Office website:
	http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/reports/accession_monitoring_report.
	
		
			  Long-term International Migration( 1) — Inflow to UK 
			Number (Thousand) 
			   Total international migration( 2)  International passenger survey 
			   All migrants( 3)  All migrants( 3)  Of which:  Work reasons( 4) 
			 2003 513 427 167 
			 2004 582 518 212 
			 2005 565 496 224 
			 (1) A long-term international migrant is defined as someone who changes his or her country of usual residence for a period of at least a year, so that the country of destination becomes the country of usual residence.  (2) Based mainly on data from the International Passenger Survey with adjustments for (1) those whose intended length of stay changes so that their migrant status changes; (2) asylum seekers and their dependants not identified by the IPS; and (3) flows between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.  (3) All long-term international migrants will become residents of the UK as they intend to stay here longer than one year.  (4) Work reasons covers those with a definite job to go to, looking for work, on 'business' (excludes diplomats, military personnel, merchant seamen and flight crews) and au pairs.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) were temporarily transferred to work on issues outside those covered by the IND between 8 and 12 January.

Liam Byrne: There were no specific temporary transfers of members of the Immigration Nationality Directorate (IND) staff to non-IND work between 8 and 12 January. Records show that as at 31 January, 371 members of IND's staff were on longer term loans from IND to other Government Departments and 75 on secondment to organisations outside the civil service.

Correspondence

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Immigration and Nationality Directorate will reply to the letter of 13 October from the right hon. Member for Warley on Mrs. Williams of Smethwick.

Liam Byrne: The Immigration and Nationality Directorate wrote to my right hon. Friend on 9 February 2007.

Immigration Officers

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many  (a) ports,  (b) airports,  (c) landing stages and  (d) airfields the Immigration and Nationality Directorate had uniformed immigration officers (i) permanently and (ii) regularly located in (A) 2004, (B) 2005 and (C) 2006; and in how many such locations officers made at least one visit in each year.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 5 February 2007
	At present we are not a uniformed service but as of September 2007 the Immigration Service is on schedule to implement the full roll-out of uniforms for all operational frontline staff at ports and airports.
	We are unable to confirm whether officers made at least one visit in each year as the information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Independent Race Monitor

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many recommendations the Independent Race Monitor made in each annual report between 2002-03 and 2005-06; and how many have been implemented.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is contained in the following table.
	
		
			  Year of report  Number of recommendations made  Number of recommendations already implemented 
			 2002-03 2 2 
			 2003-04 7 6 
			 2004-05 7 6 
			 2005-06 7 6

Informers

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether officers involved in the management of informants have been trained to Association of Chief Police Officers standards.

Tony McNulty: There are national standard training programmes, developed and endorsed by the Association of Chief Police Officers, for the management of covert human intelligence sources. This training is mandatory for those involved in source management.

Langley House Trust

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if he will renew funding awarded to Langley House Trust by the Public Protection Unit;
	(2)  how many offenders have committed a criminal offence whilst a resident in accommodation provided by Langley House Trust, broken down by category of offence.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Public Protection Unit in the National Offender Management Service will continue to fund Langley House Trust in the financial year 2007-08. Under the funding agreement, Langley House Trust will provide access to two enhanced supervision beds for offenders with a history of mental disorder and to a larger number of beds as move-on accommodation for offenders who have completed a period of residence in approved premises.
	In the 12 months to 31 March 2006, 19 Langley House Trust residents were convicted of further offences. The breakdown by offence category was as follows:
	
		
			  Offence category  Number 
			 Murder 1 
			 Arson 1 
			 Breaking and entering 1 
			 Theft and other property offences 9 
			 Drunk and disorderly or other summary public order offences 7

Leave to Remain

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average length of time was for a decision to be reached on applications for leave to remain in each of the last five years.

Liam Byrne: We are unable to provide this information. Performance is measured in relation to the percentage of applications decided in a specific time periods (currently 20 and 70 working days).
	This information is summarised in the following table. It sets out the percentage of charged and non-charged applications decided within these periods:
	
		
			  Percentage 
			  Turnaround time year to date  2004-05  2005-06 
			 Charged 20 working days 62 65 
			 Charged 70 working days 87 90 
			
			 Non-charged 20 working days 25 29 
			 Non-charged 70 working days 51 64

Leave to Remain

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what percentage of postal applications for leave to remain a decision on the case was reached within three weeks of receipt in the latest period for which figures are available.

Liam Byrne: Performance for non-charged and charged applications is measured against targets of 20 and 70 working days.
	The year-to-date figures for the current financial year (April 2006 to January 2007) are as follows:
	48 per cent. of non-charged applications were completed within 20 working days and 80 per cent. were completed within 70 working days.
	During the same period 68 per cent. of charged applications were completed within 20 working days and 91 per cent. were completed within 70 working days.

Lincoln Prison

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any written records are held by the Prison Service of instructions given  (a) verbally and  (b) in writing to the Director General of the Prison Service by Ministers in his Department in October 2002 on control of the riot at Lincoln Prison; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There are no written records within the Home Office of discussions between the then Home Secretary and the then Director General of the Prison Service about the disturbance at Lincoln Prison on 23 October 2002.

Metropolitan Police: Ports

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers in the Metropolitan Police's Security Command are deployed at entry points to the UK.

Tony McNulty: The deployment of police officers within forces is an operational matter for individual chief constables.

MI5: Informers

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what arrangements are in place within MI5 to audit compliance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 in connection with the authorisation, review and overall employment of informants;
	(2)  what guidelines in relation to the management of informant payments and financial records have been adopted by MI5;
	(3)  whether M15 has implemented the National Intelligence Model;
	(4)  whether MI5 has reviewed the  (a) effectiveness and  (b) ethical status of its informers in Northern Ireland in terms similar to the CRAG review conducted by the Police Service for Northern Ireland;
	(5)  whether MI5 informers in Northern Ireland operate to the standards and requirements set by the CRAG review conducted by the Police Service for Northern Ireland, with particular reference to  (a) specific annual authorisations for membership or support of proscribed organisations and  (b) application to an equivalent officer to an Assistant Chief Constable for involvement in any criminal offence other than membership or support of a proscribed organisation;
	(6)  whether MI5 conducts risk assessments on informers equivalent to those recommended for the police by Association of Chief Police Officers;
	(7)  whether MI5 has adopted guidelines on obtaining information from members of the public who are not registered informants equivalent to those adopted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in August 2004;
	(8)  what training MI5 informer handlers are required to have;
	(9)  whether operational risk advisers have been appointed within MI5.

Tony McNulty: The Security Service complies fully with the provisions of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act including the statutory Codes of Practice on Covert Human Intelligence Sources and covert surveillance.

MI5: Informers

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will initiate an inquiry into the failure of the Surveillance Commissioner to uncover the activities of Informer 1 identified in the report of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland into the murder of Raymond McCord junior and related matters prior to October 2003.

Tony McNulty: The Police Ombudsman found no failure on the part of the Chief Surveillance Commissioner.

Ministerial Speech

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost to the public purse was for his event and speech on 4 January 2006.

Liam Byrne: The previous Home Secretary (Charles Clarke) did not give a speech on 4 January 2006. However, the current Home Secretary gave a political speech at Dunraven school, Streatham SW16 on 4 January 2007. The event was organised by the Labour Party. No permanent civil servants were involved in the organisation of the event.

Missing Persons

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many missing persons reports were made to the police in 2006; and how many related to children or young people.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 5 February 2007
	Operational policing information on the number of reports on missing persons made to the police is not collected centrally by the Home Office.

Mobile Phones: Drivers

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fixed penalty notices were issued in Chorley for using hand-held mobile telephones when driving a motor vehicle in each year since the offence was introduced.

Vernon Coaker: Data are not available at either local authority and or constituency level.
	Available information taken from the annual Home Office publication "Offences relating to motor vehicles, England and Wales Supplementary tables", for the Lancashire police force area, from 2003 to 2004 (latest available) is provided in the table.
	2005 data will be available later this year.
	
		
			  Fixed penalty notices issued( 1)  for the offence of use of hand held mobile phone while driving( 2,3)  within Lancashire police force area, 2003-2004 
			  Number of offences 
			   Fixed penalty notices issued( 1) 
			 2003 34 
			 2004 1,719 
			 (1) Only covers tickets paid i.e. no further action.  (2) Offences under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, Regulations 110 (1), 110 (2) and 110 (3). [Introduced 1 December 2003]  (3) Includes hand held mobile phone or similar hand-held devices while driving.   Note:  Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when these data are used.

Motoring Offences

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what percentage of people convicted of  (a) driving without a licence,  (b) driving without insurance and  (c) driving without tax in each of the last five years were subsequently convicted of another offence.

Vernon Coaker: The most recent re-offending information for adults in England and Wales were published in November 2006 as: "Re-offending of Adults: results from the 2003 cohort". Home Office Statistical Bulletin 20/06. The report is available on line at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs06/hosb2006.pdf.
	The report shows two-year re-offending rates broken down by offence type (Table A2), the offences above are contained under "other motoring offences", however due to the nature of offences in the question most people will not receive custodial or community sentences and hence will not be included in the sample. It is not practical to break down results by individual offences due to data quality, sample size, and resource issues.

National Probation Service for England and Wales: Complaints

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many letters of complaint he has received concerning the Probation Service in  (a) England,  (b) Hertfordshire and  (c) Hemel Hempstead in each month of the last five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The information requested is not gathered centrally and may be available at disproportionate costs.

North Sea Camp Prison

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans there are to improve  (a) buildings and  (b) staff facilities in North Sea Camp prison, Lincolnshire in each of the next three years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Funding has been made available for the refurbishment of prisoner reception and for it to be converted to an offender management unit. Smaller items such as pipe lagging are being replaced as part of a programme of maintenance. Funding for further improvements will be considered in the new financial year. Approved projects will be included in the programme based on a number of factors including the changing priorities of building plans across the estate and availability of funds from the limited budget.

Oakhill Secure Training Centre

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what capacity Oakhill secure training centre in Milton Keynes is operating.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 5 February 2007
	The operational capacity of Oakhill is 80 places. On 31 January, 71 places were occupied.

Offender Accommodation

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what qualifications are required of voluntary sector managers to run accommodation schemes for offenders.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There is a variety of voluntary sector schemes providing, as their main function, accommodation services for offenders. Although there is no statutory requirement for managers of accommodation services to hold formal qualifications most schemes select staff against specific competencies and relevant experience. Therefore voluntary sector organisations managing premises approved by the Secretary of State recruit or second managers from the Probation Service who will have an appropriate probation qualification.
	In addition, note that the accommodation services provided for offenders by the voluntary sector through the Supporting People programme are accredited by the relevant local authorities in line with Communities and Local Government guidance.

Offenders: Bristol

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders tested positive for  (a) opiates and  (b) crack cocaine in Bristol between January and December 2006.

Vernon Coaker: Between January and December 2006, 4,192 tests for specified Class A drugs (heroin, cocaine/crack cocaine) were conducted as part of the drug interventions programme in Bristol.
	Of the 4,192 tests conducted, 2,022 tests were positive for specified Class A drugs, of which 1,112 tests were positive for both heroin and cocaine/crack, 402 tests were positive for  (a) opiates and 508 tests were positive for  (b) cocaine/crack.

Offenders: Deportation

Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Government's strategy is for the deportation of non-UK citizens convicted of a criminal offence.

Liam Byrne: We have brought forward legislative proposals within the recently introduced UK Borders Bill.
	Copies of each of these statements are available from the Library of the House.

Parole

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners released on licence were recalled to prison in each year since 2001.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Information on the numbers of recalls of prisoners released on licence from prison establishments in England and Wales can be found in tables 10.7, 10.8 and 10.9 in the Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2005. This publication has recently been published and a copy is available in the House of Commons Library; it can also be accessed over the web at the website:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs06/hosb1806.pdf
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system, and although shown to the last individual the figures may not be accurate to that level.

Passports

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people in Hemsworth constituency have been issued with a free passport.

Joan Ryan: The Identity and Passport Service does not ask passport holders to keep their address up to date on our database. Therefore, the Identity and Passport Service cannot identify the number of current residents by geographical area that have taken advantage of the scheme to issue free passports to those applicants born on or before 2 September 1929.
	From October 2004 when the concessionary scheme was introduced, until 31 December 2006, 398,615 people born on or before 2 September 1929 have been issued with free passports.

Passports

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to section 6 (7) of the Identity Cards Act 2006, whether applicants for passport renewal who apply solely for a passport prior to 1 January 2010 will be required to attend an interview centre.

Joan Ryan: During 2009 it is planned to introduce chips holding fingerprint details into passports, in line with new standards for passports issued by EU member states. Applicants for passport renewal will then need to attend an Identity and Passport Service interview office in order to record their fingerprints, regardless of whether they wish to be issued with an ID card in addition to the passport.

Passports: Northern Ireland

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many lost passports have been reported in Northern Ireland in each of the last 15 years.

Joan Ryan: It is not possible for the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) to identify how many passports were reportedly lost or stolen in Northern Ireland in the last 15 years. The IPS can provide information on passports replaced since 24 September 2001 when the current passport issuing system was introduced in the Belfast passport office which serves the Northern Ireland area. Improved arrangements for the reporting of lost and stolen passports came into effect in December 2003, and IPS can also provide information on reports of lost and stolen passports, for the calendar years of 2004, 2005 and 2006. These figures are set out as follows.
	
		
			   Replacement  Lost  Stolen  Other( 1) 
			 2001 1,916 — — — 
			 2002 11,497 — — — 
			 2003 11,988 — — — 
			 2004 — 9,496 1,959 582 
			 2005 — 9,615 1,117 544 
			 2006 — 11,998 1,287 599 
			 (1 )Other includes passports reported as damaged or destroyed.

Pentonville Prison

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if he will place in the Library a copy of the most recently concluded report of the investigation into allegations of staff corruption at HM Prison Pentonville;
	(2)  what progress has been made in investigations into alleged staff corruption at HM Prison Pentonville; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: No. It is not Prison Service policy to disclose the contents of internal investigations for reasons of confidentiality. Nine investigation reports have been concluded, and four disciplinary hearings have been opened. Three investigation reports are outstanding.

Police

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of police time was spent on frontline duties by  (a) Suffolk,  (b) Bedfordshire,  (c) Cambridgeshire,  (d) Essex,  (e) Hertfordshire and  (f) Norfolk constabularies in each year since 1997.

Tony McNulty: Information on time spent by police officers on front line duties has been collected since 2003-04 and is set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Percentage of time spent on front line policing—eastern region forces 
			  Percentage 
			  Force  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2008( 1) 
			 Bedfordshire 63.7 63.3 62.1 68.5 
			 Cambridgeshire 61.7 60.3 70.7 69.3 
			 Essex 56.9 60.9 62.7 70.3 
			 Hertfordshire 60.8 62.9 64.2 73.0 
			 Norfolk 59.8 62.9 66.7 70.3 
			 Suffolk 62.4 60.6 59.5 68.5 
			 (1) Target.

Police

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people are employed in non-geographic police forces; and what the total budget was for all such forces in the last period for which figures are available.

Tony McNulty: The non-geographical police forces, i.e. those which are established by legislation other than the Police Act 1996, are the responsibly of a number of sponsoring Secretaries of State but not the Home Secretary. The Home Office does not collect data on their total staffing and budgets.

Police Cells

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were housed in police cells during the recent activation of Operation Safeguard; how many have been housed in police cells since Operation Safeguard ended; what the cost of detaining inmates in police cells has been since the end of the activation of Operation Safeguard; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: During the period 12 October to 22 December, Operation Safeguard was used on around 4,500 occasions. These figures do not correspond precisely to the number of prisoners, as some prisoners may have been held in police cells for more than one night. Prisoners can also be held in "lockouts" under an informal agreement with police forces.
	From 22 December 2006 to 22 January 2007, during which Operation Safeguard was deactivated, the number of prisoners accommodated in police cells overnight varied on a daily basis and was dependent on court activity and the management of regional prison population pressures. Operation Safeguard was reactivated on 22 January.
	Police forces submit their costs in arrears and the cost cannot yet be calculated.

Police and Court Cells

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Court Service on the use of court cells as overnight accommodation for prisoners.

John Reid: The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) aims to maximise use of all available space within the prison estate. The chief executive of NOMS formally reactivated Operation Safeguard on Monday 22 January.
	The Home Office and the Department for Constitutional Affairs have been discussing the possibility of limited use of court cells on a contingency basis.

Police and Court Cells

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any prisoners have been housed overnight in a court cell since the introduction of Operation Safeguard.

John Reid: Yes. A small number of prisoners were housed overnight in court cells.

Police Community Support Officers

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives his Department has introduced to promote public awareness of the difference between police community support officers and special constables.

Tony McNulty: None.

Police Stations: Wales

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the  (a) maintenance,  (b) operational,  (c) refurbishment and  (d) total running costs were for each police station in Wales in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The management of the police estate and costs associated with this are matters for each police authority and the chief officer, who are responsible for assessing local needs.

Police Stations: Wales

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which police stations in Wales  (a) closed and  (b) opened in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The management of the police estate and allocation of resources are matters for each police authority and the Chief Officer.

Police: Complaints

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances the Independent Police Complaints Commission would require an investigation into the conduct of  (a) police officers and  (b) police employees to be carried out by a police service other than that which employs those subject to investigation; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: This is a matter for the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which is an independent body established by the Police Reform Act 2002.

Police: East Midlands

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the percentage change in total Government funding for each of the five East Midlands police forces was over the last three years.

Tony McNulty: The information requested is set out in the table.
	
		
			  Percentage change in total Government grants for East Midlands police forces 2004-05 to 2006-07 
			   2004-05( 1)  2005-06( 2)  2006-07( 3) 
			  Police authority  Total Government grants( 4)( ) (£ million)  Annual change in total grants  (Percentage)  Total Government grants  (£ million)  Annual change in total grants  (Percentage)  Adjusted total Government grants( 5)( ) (£ million)  Total Government grants  (£ million)  Annual change in total grants  (Percentage) 
			 Derbyshire(6) 111.9 3.0 116.8 4.4 117.1 117.9 0.7 
			 Leicestershire 112.7 3.7 119.3 5.9 119.0 124.6 4.7 
			 Lincolnshire 69.2 3.4 71.9 3.9 71.8 76.2 6.1 
			 Northamptonshire(7, 8) 72.6 1.5 76.6 5.5 76.6 80.2 4.7 
			 Nottinghamshire(7, 6) 141.9 4.3 147 3.6 146.6 146.6 0.0 
			 (1 )2004-05 actual increase in general grant for all police authorities was 3.25 per cent.  (2) 2005-06 the minimum increase in general grant for all police authorities was 3.75 per cent.  (3) 2006-07 the broadly flat rate increase in general grant for all police authorities was 3.1 per cent.  (4) Total Government grant comprises: Home Office Police Grant, Department for Communities and Local Government Revenue Support Grant and National Non-Domestic Rates; Specific Grants: Crime Fighting Fund, Basic Command Unit funding, Community Support Officer funding, Neighbourhood Policing Fund, Rural Policing Fund, Special Priority Payments, Forensic DNA Expansion Grant and Capital Grant.  (5) Adjusted for comparison purposes following the transfer of pensions and security funding from general grant in 2006-07.  (6) Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire's low annual change in total grant increases was due to the change in pension and security funding arrangements in 200607. They are receiving less in pensions grant because they need less.  (7) The Police Standards Unit have been working with Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire police forces since spring 2004 on a number of projects to help improve performance. The forces have been provided with £0.8 million (Northants) £0.7 million (Notts) for 2004-05, £1.2 million (Northants) £0.6 million (Notts) for 2005-06 and an estimated £0.5 million (Northants) £0.6 million (Notts) for 2006-07 in project funding. (Included above).  (8) Northamptonshire received a large one off payment for Airwave in 2003-04 which reduced their overall funding increase.

Police: Firearms

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many authorised firearms officers were employed in  (a) England and Wales and  (b) the West Midlands police authority area in each year since 1997.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 8 February 2007
	The number of authorised firearms officers in police forces in England and Wales since 1996-97 are shown in the following table. Statistics for 2005-06 are likely to be announced in the spring.
	
		
			  Number of authorised firearms officers (AFOs) 1996-97 to 2004-05 
			   1996-97  1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Avon and Somerset 165 161 153 150 135 116 84 122 118 
			 Bedfordshire 46 42 50 46 45 48 53 58 56 
			 Cambridgeshire 90 80 80 77 73 56 71 60 60 
			 Cheshire 70 82 70 75 74 81 89 75 76 
			 Cleveland 86 84 78 80 75 85 80 95 100 
			 City of London 88 81 55 73 74 73 72 86 89 
			 Cumbria 108 122 98 98 94 92 87 89 90 
			 Derbyshire 110 100 87 77 81 80 69 70 74 
			 Devon and Cornwall 151 147 82 119 100 108 115 132 123 
			 Dorset 74 72 72 66 67 57 59 60 64 
			 Durham 138 144 96 101 101 36 102 97 103 
			 Essex 228 217 235 228 195 180 184 186 202 
			 Gloucestershire 82 84 79 77 72 71 30 82 93 
			 Greater Manchester 209 182 217 218 240 219 202 205 187 
			 Hampshire 106 112 110 111 100 87 94 94 92 
			 Hertfordshire 42 41 43 52 44 46 47 50 53 
			 Humberside 90 102 102 97 102 96 96 96 101 
			 Kent 150 150 130 136 136 113 93 90 94 
			 Lancashire 132 125 132 143 132 138 129 122 115 
			 Leicestershire 104 94 90 90 85 69 68 51 53 
			 Lincolnshire 82 85 75 78 80 91 87 78 86 
			 Merseyside 147 165 121 96 103 78 84 94 93 
			 Metropolitan 2,035 1,971 1,951 1,977 1,940 1,805 1,823 2,060 2,134 
			 Norfolk 98 102 109 110 114 104 109 114 125 
			 Northamptonshire 92 92 92 75 77 51 56 52 50 
			 Northumbria 173 126 123 114 109 125 99 90 93 
			 North Yorkshire 108 95 83 59 66 66 64 60 56 
			 Nottinghamshire 128 129 120 116 137 136 131 138 138 
			 South Yorkshire 110 108 90 100 98 92 100 98 122 
			 Staffordshire 78 86 92 81 67 71 63 67 76 
			 Suffolk 82 96 101 98 90 90 80 96 88 
			 Surrey 76 61 69 71 72 62 48 53 49 
			 Sussex 180 146 156 131 118 120 141 134 130 
			 Thames Valley 185 194 179 187 185 156 180 172 176 
			 Warwickshire 41 38 44 54 45 50 51 46 53 
			 West Mercia 155 159 139 129 130 125 131 139 141 
			 West Midlands 88 95 92 93 83 111 110 124 134 
			 West Yorkshire 131 114 128 110 117 116 132 140 130 
			 Wiltshire 134 105 88 89 71 71 78 80 74 
			 Dyfed Powys 70 71 67 65 61 77 62 58 79 
			 Gwent 70 59 64 68 66 57 60 71 74 
			 North Wales 72 90 97 92 67 83 75 73 65 
			 South Wales 134 176 169 155 143 138 125 139 134

Police: Forms

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the net change in the number of police reporting forms since 1997.

Tony McNulty: The information required to make such an assessment is not held centrally.

Police: Manpower

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many additional police officers the Government made a commitment to deliver  (a) in England and Wales and  (b) in North Yorkshire in each of the last five years.

Tony McNulty: The Crime Fighting Fund, introduced in April 2000, provided specific grant for police forces to recruit 9,650 additional police officers over and above their own recruitment plans in the four years to March 2004. There was a target for police numbers to reach 132,500 by March 2004.
	From April 2004 the rules of the Crime Fighting Fund worked in such a way as to require forces to maintain police numbers above an annually determined level. The following table sets out the Crime Fighting Fund threshold and actual strength achieved for England and Wales and for North Yorkshire police for each year from 2004.
	In December 2006 we announced that the system of penalties for falling below target strength was suspended following representations from the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities.
	North Yorkshire's share of the Crime Fighting Fund was sufficient to recruit an additional 72 police officers—four in 2000-01, 39 in 2001-02, 25 in 2002-03 and four in 2003-04. Since 2004 North Yorkshire has received £1.95 million in continuation funding for these posts.
	
		
			  Crime fighting fund police numbers threshold 2004 to 2006 
			   England and Wales  North Yorkshire 
			   Target strength  Actual strength( 1)  (31 March)  Target strength  Actual strength (31 March) 
			 2003-04 132,500 139,200 1,533 1,529 
			 2004-05 137,459 141,230 1,529 1,543 
			 2005-06 136,310 141,381 1,495 1,636 
			 (1) Total police officer strength including officers on secondment published in Home Office statistics bulletins on police numbers.

Police: Manpower

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total cost of pay in the police service was in each year since 1997-98; and how many staff were employed in the police service in each year.

Tony McNulty: The answers are given in the following tables.
	
		
			  (a) National Police Staff (FTE) 
			   Police Officers  PCSOs  Staff  Total 
			 1997 125,051 — 53,011 178,062 
			 1998 124,756 — 52,975 177,731 
			 1999 123,841 — 53,031 176,872 
			 2000 121,956 — 53,227 175,183 
			 2001 123,476 — 54,588 178,064 
			 2002 127,267 — 58,909 186,176 
			 2003 131,426 1,176 63,105 195,707 
			 2004 137,105 3,418 68,693 209,216 
			 2005 139,495 6,214 71 ,209 216,918 
			 2006 139,633 6,769 74,563 220,965 
		
	
	
		
			  (b) Total employee salaries (from CIPFA police statistics) 
			  Actual  £000 
			 1997-98 4,958,932 
			 1998-99 5,243,191 
			 1999-2000 5,445,375 
			 2000-01 5,651,442 
			 2001-02 6,001,783 
			 2002-03 6,422,610 
			 2003-04 7,023,401 
			 2000-05 7,554,626 
			 2005-06 8,842,405

Police: Manpower

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers per thousand of the population there are  (a) in England and Wales and  (b) in each of the police forces in the Yorkshire and the Humber region.

Tony McNulty: These data have previously been published in the Home Office Statistical Bulletin, Police Service Strength, England and Wales, 31st March 2006 (13/06), which is available in the Library of the House and can be downloaded from:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs06/hosb1306.pdf

Police: Ports

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full-time equivalent officers there are in each of the ports police forces.

Tony McNulty: Ports police forces are non-Home Office forces, with officers of these forces being sworn in as constables under section 79 of the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847. As these police forces do not come under the administration of the Home Office, the requested information is not collected centrally by the Department.

Pornography: Children

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there have been of those under the age of  (a) 18 and  (b) 16 years for the possession of child pornography.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The following table shows data from the court proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform, namely the number of defendants under 18 years convicted for the possession of child pornography.
	
		
			  Number of defendants aged under 18 years and under 16 years convicted of selected child pornography offences at all courts, England and Wales, 2005( 1, 2) 
			   Statute  Offence  Aged 10 to 15  Aged 16 to 17  Total 
			  Protection of Children Act 1978 Section 1 as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec 84 and Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 S.41(1). Take, permit to be taken, or to make distribute or publish indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children 3 6 9 
			  Criminal Justice Act 1988 Sec. 160 as amended by the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000. Possession of an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph. — 2 2 
			  Total  3 8 11 
			 (1) These data are on the principal offence basis.  (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.

Prison Sentences

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average prison sentence handed down by courts was for  (a) violent crimes and  (b) non-violent crimes in each of the last five years; and what the average sentence served was of prisoners in each category who were released in each of these years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The average custodial sentence length for these offences in the years 2001 to 2005 is given in the table. However, it should be noted that comparisons between 2001 and 2005 are problematic, since offenders receiving an indeterminate sentence of imprisonment for public protection for a serious offence from April 2005 would previously have received a lengthy determinate sentence that would have been included in the calculation of average custodial sentence length. These longer sentences are now effectively excluded from the calculation.
	Information on the average time served for all offences is published in Table 10.1 of "Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2005" (Home Office Statistical Bulletin No. 18/06) (on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs06/omcsq405.pdf).
	
		
			  Average custodial sentence length for violent and other offences, England and Wales, 2001 to 2005 
			  Offence   Average custodial sentence length( 1 ) (months) 
			  Violent offences( 2) 2001 24.4 
			  2002 26.7 
			  2003 27.2 
			  2004 26.8 
			  2005 (3)24.8 
			
			  Other offences( 4)   
			  2001 9.2 
			  2002 9.5 
			  2003 9.5 
			  2004 9.7 
			  2005 (3)9.8 
			 (1) Excluding life and indeterminate sentences.  (2) Violence against the person, sexual offences and robbery.  (3) Offenders receiving an indeterminate sentence of imprisonment for public protection for a serious offence from April 2005 would previously have received a lengthy determinate sentence that would have been included in the calculation of average custodial sentence length. These longer sentences are now effectively excluded from the calculation. This may result in a decrease in average custodial sentence lengths.  (4) All other offences (indictable and summary).   Note:  Although care is taken in collating and analysing the returns used to compile these figures, the data are of necessity subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system. Consequently, although figures are shown to the last digit in order to provide a comprehensive record of the information collected, they are not necessarily accurate to the last digit shown.   Source:  DS-NOMS, Home Office.

Prison Service

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms exist to monitor the implementation of the Service Level Agreement at HM Prison Wandsworth; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 25 January 2007
	The London Regional Offender Manager (ROM) monitors the performance at HMP Wandsworth through its Service Level Agreement with HM Prison Service.
	Formal meetings between the Regional Offender Manager and HM Prison Service's Area Manager for London prisons take place on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the Regional Offender Manager's representative and the Area Manager's representative also meet regularly. If required by either party, meetings may be held more frequently.
	Performance against targets is reported by HM Prison Service using monthly data returns and reports are submitted to NOMS and sent to the Regional Offender Manager. The Regional Offender Manager has access to information from other sources, including site visits by his team, Independent Monitoring Board reports, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons reports, and reports by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
	The Regional Offender Manager, or their representative, has access at all reasonable times to HMP Wandsworth, and undertakes a minimum of quarterly visits to the establishment.

Prison Service

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome was of the assessment of the Service Level Agreement at HM Prison Wandsworth after the first six months of its implementation; who undertook the assessment; who is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Service Level Agreement at HM Prison Wandsworth; and if he will place a copy of the report of the assessment in the Library.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The assessment was commissioned by the Chief Executive of NOMS to establish the progress made at HMP Wandsworth six months after they were awarded a Service Level Agreement for successfully completing the Performance Test.
	Her assessment was that overall, HMP Wandsworth had made encouraging progress and that with the new management team in place, the signs were that performance would continue to improve.
	The assessment fieldwork was completed by a multi-disciplinary group of staff from across NOMS and HM Prison Service.
	The Regional Offender Manager for London, Steve Murphy, is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Service Level Agreement at HM Prison Wandsworth.
	A copy of the assessment report will not be placed in the Library as it contains operationally sensitive material.

Prison Service

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will increase the percentage of the Prison Service budget which is spent on education.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Responsibility for the principal budgets that meet the costs of learning and skills for offenders in custody, and in the community, now rests with the Department for Education and Skills. Decisions about the overall budget for offender learning rests with Ministers there.

Prison Service

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of the established Prison Service staff complement is in post in each prison in England and Wales.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Information on the percentage of planned posts that are filled in each prison in England and Wales is contained in the following table. These figures include all posts, both operational and non-operational. For the public sector they reflect the impact of additional hours worked through contracted supplementary hours (CSH) and agency staffing.
	
		
			  Percentage of staffing requirement in post having included CSH and agency staff( 1) , as at 31 December 2006 
			  Prison  Percentage 
			 Acklington l00 
			 Albany l00 
			 Ashwell l00 
			 Askham Grange 97 
			 Aylesbury 99 
			 Bedford 93 
			 Belmarsh 91 
			 Birmingham 99 
			 Blakenhurst 98 
			 Blantyre House 99 
			 Blundeston 97 
			 Brinsford 98 
			 Bristol 99 
			 Brixton 92 
			 Brockhill 89 
			 Buckley Hall 100 
			 Bullingdon 98 
			 Bullwood Hall(2) 88 
			 Camp Hill 96 
			 Canterbury 98 
			 Cardiff 99 
			 Castington 97 
			 Channings Wood 99 
			 Chelmsford 92 
			 Coldingley 97 
			 Cookham Wood/East Sutton Park 89 
			 Dartmoor 96 
			 Deerbolt 97 
			 Dorchester 95 
			 Dover 100 
			 Downview 97 
			 Drake Hall 97 
			 Durham 97 
			 Eastwood Park 94 
			 Edmunds Hill 97 
			 Elmley 100 
			 Erlestoke 91 
			 Everthorpe 100 
			 Exeter 100 
			 Featherstone 98 
			 Feltham 92 
			 Ford 90 
			 Foston Hall 91 
			 Frankland 94 
			 Full Sutton 100 
			 Garth 100 
			 Gartree 94 
			 Glen Parva 95 
			 Gloucester 99 
			 Grendon 96 
			 Guys Marsh 93 
			 Haslar 98 
			 Haverigg 100 
			 Hewell Grange 100 
			 High Down 98 
			 Highpoint 98 
			 Hindley 100 
			 Hollesley Bay 100 
			 Holloway 97 
			 Holme House 98 
			 Hull 100 
			 Huntercombe 94 
			 Kingston 99 
			 Kirkham 94 
			 Kirklevington Grange 99 
			 Lancaster 100 
			 Lancaster Farms 100 
			 Latchmere House 99 
			 Leeds 97 
			 Leicester 100 
			 Lewes 95 
			 Leyhill 92 
			 Lincoln 100 
			 Lindholme 100 
			 Littlehey 100 
			 Liverpool 99 
			 Long Lartin 96 
			 Low Newton 100 
			 Maidstone 92 
			 Manchester 97 
			 Moorland 100 
			 Morton Hall 100 
			 New Hall 100 
			 North Sea Camp 95 
			 Northallerton 98 
			 Norwich 97 
			 Nottingham 96 
			 Onley 92 
			 Parkhurst 99 
			 Pentonville 100 
			 Portland 98 
			 Preston 100 
			 Ranby 97 
			 Reading 100 
			 Risley 100 
			 Rochester 98 
			 Send 95 
			 Shepton Mallet 94 
			 Shrewsbury 98 
			 Stafford 96 
			 Standford Hill 98 
			 Stocken 95 
			 Stoke Heath 97 
			 Styal 100 
			 Sudbury 99 
			 Swaleside 100 
			 Swansea 99 
			 Swinfen Hall 98 
			 The Mount 94 
			 The Verne 97 
			 Thorn Cross 99 
			 Usk/Prescoed 99 
			 Wakefield 95 
			 Wandsworth 91 
			 Warren Hill 100 
			 Wayland 99 
			 Wealstun 98 
			 Weare 100 
			 Wellingborough 96 
			 Werrington 94 
			 Wetherby 100 
			 Whatton 97 
			 Whitemoor 93 
			 Winchester 98 
			 Woodhill 93 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 100 
			 Wymott 97 
			 (1) Information has been derived from the Personnel Corporate Database, Oracle HRMS and quarterly forecast change forms completed by each establishment. Where an establishment has recorded a surplus of staff this has not been used to off-set the shortfalls. (2) Vacancy level at Bullwood Hall has now been reduced to 1.5 posts. 
		
	
	
		
			  Private prisons 
			  Prison  Percentage staff requirement in post 
			 Altcourse 100 
			 Ashfield 93 
			 Bronzefield 100 
			 Doncaster 95 
			 Dovegate 91 
			 Forest Bank 97 
			 Lowdham Grange 93 
			 Parc (1)— 
			 Peterborough 96 
			 Rye hill 98 
			 Wolds 100 
			 (1 )100 per cent. operational, 94 per cent. non-operational.  Source: Private prisons information has been obtained from the Home Office, on behalf of Serco, GSL, G4S, and KALYX human resources databases.

Prison Service

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to increase the number of prison officers in the Prison Service.

Gerry Sutcliffe: A new Prison Service Business Change Team has been set up to plan and coordinate recruitment activity, and the transfer of experienced staff, to resource new prisoner places. Normal recruitment of prison officers continues, and is largely managed at area level to ensure that staffing numbers meet local needs and operate within acceptable operating margins.

Prison Service: Discrimination

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to eradicate homophobia among prison governors; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: In 2001 a requirement was introduced for all prison governors to attend diversity training which included a session which challenged homophobic attitudes. This requirement lasted for three years. The public sector Prison Service is now developing plans for a new diversity training strategy for 2007-08. Prison Service orders, issued for action by all governors, make it clear that all staff have the right to work in an environment that is free from harassment including homophobia and homophobic bullying.

Prisoners

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent on taxi and mini-cab fares in the transport of prisoners in each of the last three years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The information concerning taxis and mini-cab fares could be obtained from all prisons only at disproportionate cost.

Prisoners on Remand

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners on remand there were in England and Wales in each year since 2000; and how many of these received a custodial sentence.

John Reid: Information on the numbers of prisoners held on remand in prison establishments in England and Wales in each year since 2000 can be found in table 8.1 in the Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2005, a copy of which can be found in the House of Commons Library, and which can also be accessed at the website:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs07/hosb1806section8.xls
	Information on the proportion of prisoners held on remand whose final outcome was to receive a custodial sentence can be found in table 7.11 of the same publication and at the following website:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs07/hosb1806section7.xls
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system, and although shown to the last individual the figures may not be accurate to that level.

Prisoners Release

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average time was spent in category D conditions before release by  (a) violent offenders and  (b) non-violent offenders in each of the last five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Comprehensive information on the movement of prisoners within the prison establishments of England and Wales between categories of detention in the way requested in the question is not held centrally and would not be available without disproportionate cost.

Prisoners Release: Homicide

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) murders,  (b) manslaughters and  (c) other categories of unlawful killing have been committed by convicted criminals released (i) halfway through their sentences and (ii) earlier than the full period to which they were sentenced, in each year since 1997.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 1 February 2007
	The information is not available in the precise form requested. However, information on the number of murders, manslaughter and unlawful killings that were committed by offenders under the supervision of the Probation Service between 1998 and 2003 was published in Probation Statistics for England and Wales 1999 and Home Office Statistical Bulletin 15/04.

Prisoners: Mentally Ill

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2007,  Official Report, columns 1705-06W, on prisons, how many prisoners were identified as suffering from mental illness in each year since 1997.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 6 February 2007
	The information requested is not held centrally.
	A survey, "Psychiatric morbidity among prisoners in England and Wales" (Office for National Statistics, 1998) showed that 90 per cent. of prisoners have at least one significant mental health problem, including personality disorder, psychosis, neurosis, alcohol misuse and drug dependence. A copy is available in the Library.
	Mental health services for prisoners have been a key part of the Government's recent reforms of health services for prisoners. The Department of Health is now investing £20 million a year in NHS mental health in-reach services for prisoners. These are community mental health teams working within prisons and are now available in 102 prisons, with some 360 extra staff employed. Every prison in England and Wales has access to these services. Information on how many prisoners receive these services is not collected centrally.

Prisoners: Mentally Ill

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of the proportion of the prison population in each London prison who suffer from mental illness; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 9 February 2007
	The information requested is not held centrally. A survey, "Psychiatric Morbidity among Prisoners in England and Wales (Office for National Statistics, 1997)" showed that 90 per cent. of prisoners have at least one significant mental health problem, including personality disorder, psychosis, neurosis, alcohol misuse and drug dependence. A copy is available in the Library.
	Mental health services for prisoners have been a key part of the Government's recent reforms of health services for prisoners. The Department of Health is now investing £20 million a year in NHS mental health in-reach services for prisoners. These are community mental health teams working within 102 prisons, with some 360 extra staff employed. Every prison in England and Wales has access to these services.

Prisoners: Wales

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many defendants convicted in courts in Wales received a custodial sentence of six months or more in each of the last six months; and to which prisons those convicted were sent to serve their sentences.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 6 February 2007
	The last six months for which figures are currently available are July to December 2005. The information is contained in the table.
	The court proceedings database from which these figures are extracted does not contain details as to where these sentences are served. In any case, the establishment to which a person is initially committed may not be the establishment where the greater part of the sentence is served.
	
		
			  Number of persons sentenced to immediate custody of six months or more by courts( 1)  in Wales 
			  July to December 2005  Number of persons sentenced 
			 July 236 
			 August 218 
			 September 209 
			 October 177 
			 November 194 
			 December 176 
			 (1) Includes cases heard at Crown court centres outside Wales if committed by magistrates courts in Wales.  Note: Although care is taken in collating and analysing the returns used to compile these figures, the data are of necessity subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system. Consequently, although figures are shown to the last digit in order to provide a comprehensive record of the information collected, they are not necessarily accurate to the last digit shown.  Source:  RDS-NOMS, Home Office

Prisons

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on the taking of illegal drugs in prisons; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The taking of illicit drugs in prison is not tolerated. A comprehensive framework of initiatives is in place to reduce the amount of illegal drugs getting into prisons. Robust measures are in place to deal with those individuals who use drugs in prison or who attempt to supply drugs into prisons.

Prisons

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many prison places he plans to bring into use from  (a) refurbishment,  (b) new build on existing sites and  (c) new build on sites that do not currently house a prison in each of the next five years;
	(2)  what funds have been allocated for capital works on the prison estate on  (a) refurbishment,  (b) new build on existing sites and  (c) new build on sites that do not currently house a prison in each of the next five years.

John Reid: NOMS undertakes a rolling programme of refurbishment on the prison estate. As schemes come back into use following refurbishment, other schemes are taken forward and the accommodation is taken out of use.
	Around 10,000 places are planned to be delivered over the next five years. Approximately half will be on sites not currently occupied by prisons. The programme is still in the planning stages and the number of places to be provided in each of the next five years has not been finalised.
	The estimated capital cost of this new capacity is around £1.7 billion. The breakdown of costs in each of the next five years has not yet been finalised.

Prisons

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he receives daily reports from the Prison Service on the number of prisoners housed outside the prison estate during the previous night.

John Reid: The number of prisoners held in police cells is available as management information to Ministers on a daily basis.

Prisons

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many vacant prison places there are for male category  (a) A,  (b) B,  (c) C and  (d) D prisoners in England and Wales.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Only adult male sentenced prisoners are allocated a category of A, B, C or D. Categorisation takes into account a number of factors, one of which is security. A prisoner must be assigned to the correct security category even if it may not be possible to allocate the prisoner to a particular establishment for prisoners in that category. Therefore, as prison places can hold a variety of category of prisoner (but not a higher category than the prison is designated to hold), it is not possible to calculate the number of vacant prison places for each category.

Prisons

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many vacant prison places there are for female prisoners in  (a) category A,  (b) open and  (c) closed prisons in England and Wales.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Female prisoners are categorised as suitable for open, semi-open or closed conditions. A prisoner must be assigned to the correct security category even if it may not be possible to allocate the prisoner to a particular establishment for prisoners in that category. Therefore, as prison places can hold a variety of category of prisoner (but not a higher category than the prison is designated for), it is not possible to calculate the number of vacant prison places for female prisoners in open and closed conditions.

Prisons

Nick Herbert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were transferred from Category C prisons to Ford Prison in each month since 1 January 2006; what category of offence had been committed by each of those prisoners; and what the term of the prison sentence was in each case.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Prisons

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the prison places to be provided by the new prison HMP Kennet in Merseyside are  (a) part of and  (b) in addition to the 8,000 extra places promised by 2012.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The places provided at HMP Kennet are additional to the 8,000-place building programme as announced in July 2006.

Prisons: Overcrowding

George Young: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has approached the Scottish Executive for assistance in relieving overcrowding in prisons in England and Wales.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Prisoners sentenced in England and Wales cannot, as a matter of course, be held in Scottish prisons due to the differing legal jurisdictions.

Prisons: Overcrowding

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has made an assessment of the effects of Operation Safeguard on front line policing.

Tony McNulty: The number of police cells made available under Operation Safeguard is at the discretion of Chief Constables who take their operational needs into account.

Prisons: Overcrowding

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police cells have been taken over for use as part of Operation Safeguard; and on how many occasions each cell has been so used.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There are up to 400 places available in police cells in England and Wales under Operation Safeguard.
	The number of prisoners held in police cells varies on a daily basis and is dependent on court activity and the management of regional prison population pressures.

Prisons: Wales

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  whether the National Offender Management Service is pursuing a site for a new prison in  (a) South Wales and  (b) North Wales;
	(2)  whether the National Offender Management Service has tested any locations for new prisons suggested in the business case presented by the North Wales Criminal Justice Board.

Gerry Sutcliffe: A national site search is under way, with South Wales one of a number of priority areas due to strategic need. Other priority areas include London, the North West and the West Midlands.
	North Wales is not currently included in these priorities. However, the National Offender Management Service continues to investigate all options for providing further increases in capacity.

Prisons: Wales

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  whether the National Offender Management Service in Wales is actively pursuing the establishment of a new prison facility in Wales;
	(2)  whether the National Offender Management Service in Wales has actively tested any of the locations suggested in the business case presented by the North Wales Criminal Justice Board for suitability for a new prison facility.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 8 February 2007
	The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) is currently undertaking searches to identify sites for new prisons in areas of highest demand for prison places. The priority search areas are London and the Thames corridor, South Wales, the North West and the West Midlands. NOMS is aware of the site proposed by the North Wales Local Criminal Justice Board in evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee in December 2006. The site is considerably smaller than those under consideration for development as a new prison.

Private Prisons

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many assaults there were on  (a) staff and  (b) prisoners at each private prison in 2005-06.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The information is provided in the following table.
	
		
			   1 January 2005-31 December 2005  1 January 2006-31 December 2006 
			  Prison  Number of assaults on staff  Number of assaults on prisoners  Number of assaults on staff  Number of assaults on prisoners 
			 Altcourse 44 200 36 199 
			 Ashfield 153 501 129 625 
			 Bronzefield 85 95 76 115 
			 Doncaster 24 96 46 145 
			 Dovegate 35 69 58 66 
			 Forest Bank 82 431 50 344 
			 Lowdham Grange 16 37 34 74 
			 Parc 41 229 48 245 
			 Peterborough 72 104 137 226 
			 Rye Hill 65 53 48 61 
			 Wolds 3 23 8 34

Private Prisons

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any private prison has been refinanced by a holding or partner company.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There are no private prisons that have been refinanced by a holding or partner company.

Private Prisons

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many unfilled posts there were in the Prison Service in  (a) public and  (b) private prisons in each of the last 12 months.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The number of unfilled posts for the last five quarters is shown in the following tables. These figures include all posts, both operational and non-operational, across the whole Prison Service. For the public sector they reflect the impact of additional hours worked through contracted supplementary hours and agency staffing. The number of unfilled posts represent around 3 per cent. of all posts.
	
		
			  Public sector 
			  Date( 1)  Shortfall on staffing requirement having included CSH and agency staff( 2) 
			 31 December 2005 1,335 
			 31 March 2006 1,534 
			 30 June 2006 1,463 
			 30 September 2006 1,228 
			 31 December 2006 1,480 
			 (1) Staffing requirements are centrally reported quarterly and therefore the number of unfilled posts is only available for the end of each quarter. (2) Information has been derived from the Personnel Corporate Database, Oracle HRMS and Quarterly Forecast Change Forms completed by each establishment. Where an establishment has recorded a surplus of staff this has not been used to off-set shortfalls of others. 
		
	
	
		
			  Private prisons 
			   Shortfall on staffing requirement( 1) 
			 January 181 
			 February 177 
			 March 206 
			 April 190 
			 May 186 
			 June 146 
			 July 155 
			 August 182 
			 September 181 
			 October 187 
			 November 181 
			 December 198 
			 (1) Private prisons information has been obtained from the Home Office, on behalf of Serco, GSL, G4S, and KALYX human resources databases.

Probation Service

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the projected balance is in the national probation budget for 2006-07; and what consequences are expected for service delivery.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The overall budget for 2006-07 for the national probation service is £883 million. The current projected out-turn is within 0.5 per cent. of this figure.
	There are 13 main probation performance indicators which can be compared with 2005-06. For the period April to September 2006, the performance against 10 of these indicators is equal to or exceeding the 2005-06 performance.

Prospect Hostel, Exeter

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average annual cost was of running approved premises performing similar functions to the Prospect Hostel in Exeter in 2005-06.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Approved premises in the main estate do not perform directly comparable functions to the Prospects premises. Whereas most approved premises are a public protection resource for the management of high risk offenders, the Prospects premises were established to provide an accommodation, interventions and support package targeted at released prisoners convicted of acquisitive crimes to fund their drug habit.
	In 2005-06 the average grant payment to an approved premises in the mainstream estate was £535,730.

Prostitution

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate his Department has made of the proportion of prostitutes who were  (a) addicted to drugs,  (b) born outside the UK and  (c) victims of human trafficking in each of the last 10 years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: It is not possible to provide precise figures as so much prostitution is hidden from view. However published Home Office research has looked at the numbers involved who are drug addicted and has provided broad estimates of the numbers of people trafficked into the UK for the purposes of prostitution. Information on the proportion born outside the UK is not available.
	A Home Office Research Study in 2004 profiled 228 women involved in street-based prostitution. It found 87 per cent. were using heroin and 64 per cent. crack cocaine. Anecdotal evidence from respondents to the Home Office-led review of prostitution in 2004 suggested that a high proportion—in many areas, almost all—of those involved in street-based prostitution are Class A drug users. Home Office funded research in 2000 found that 71 women were known to have been trafficked into prostitution in the UK in 1998. Using this figure as a baseline the research estimated that there may have been between 142 and 1,420 women trafficked into the UK during the same period.
	A research paper on sizing UK organised crime markets and their associated harms will be published in early 2007. Emerging findings suggest that at any one moment in time in 2003 there were around 4,000 victims of trafficking for prostitution in the UK.

Prostitution

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many successful prosecutions relating to  (a) soliciting by a prostitute,  (b) kerb crawling and  (c) the operation of a brothel there were in each of the last 10 years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Data from the court proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform on the number of defendants convicted at all courts for various offences in England and Wales, 1996 to 2005, relating to prostitution can be found in the following table:
	
		
			  The number of defendants convicted at all courts for various offences relating to prostitution in England and Wales, 1996-2005( 1, 2, 3) 
			  Statute  Offence Description  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 Sexual Offences Act 1956, section 33A as amended by Sexual Offences Act 2003, section 55 Keeping a brothel used for prostitution — — — — — — — — 4 8 
			 Sexual Offences Act 1956, section 32 Man soliciting or importuning in a public place for immoral purposes 68 47 42 16 9 5 3 9 3 2 
			 Sexual Offences Act 1956, section 33 Keeping a brothel 24 20 12 29 13 6 7 4 15 11 
			 Sexual Offences Act 1956, section 34 Letting premises for use as a brothel 2 2 — 1 — — — — — — 
			 Sexual Offences Act 1956, section 35 Tenant permitting premises to be used as a brothel 1 2 — 2 — — — — — — 
			 Sexual Offences Act 1956, section 36 Tenant permitting premises to be used for prostitution 3 — — — 1 1 — — — — 
			 Sexual Offences Act 1956, section 33 as amended by Sexual Offences Act 1967, section 6 Keeping a brothel for homosexual practices — — — — — — 1 — — — 
			 Sexual Offences Act 1985, section 1 Kerb-crawling 1,096 813 700 599 700 775 891 834 760 635 
			 Sexual Offences Act 1985, section 2 Persistent soliciting of women for the purpose of prostitution 56 68 65 51 26 66 102 50 48 34 
			 Vagrancy Act 1824, section 3. Vagrancy Act 1824, section 4 Offences by prostitutes, common prostitute behaving in a riotous and indecent manner in a public place. Offences by prostitutes: Second conviction as an idle and disorderly person 7 7 4 4 1 3 7 17 6 1 
			 Street Offences Act 1959, section 1 Common prostitute loitering or soliciting for the purpose of prostitution 5,429 5,695 5,223 3,378 3,385 2,841 2,668 2,627 1,735 1,116 
			 Other offences relating to prostitution Other offences relating to prostitution — — — 3 — — — — — — 
			 Total — 6,686 6,654 6,046 4,083 4,135 3,697 3,679 3,541 2,571 1,807 
			 — = Nil.  (1) These data are on the principal offence basis.  (2 )Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.  (3) Staffordshire Police Force were only able to submit sample data for persons proceeded against and convicted in the magistrates' courts for the year 2000. Although sufficient to estimate higher orders of data, these data are not robust enough at a detailed level and have been excluded from the table.   Source:  RDS Office for Criminal Justice Reform.

Public Order Offences

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures are in place for those people who cannot afford to pay a penalty disorder notice when issued with one.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 9 February 2007
	Penalty Notices for Disorder (PND) provide the police with a swift non-bureaucratic disposal option to deal with minor offences. They are fixed penalty. There is no means test as part of the process of issuing PNDs and it would be impractical and overly bureaucratic to seek means information before issuing a ticket. Payment must be made in full; the current PND computer processing system precludes payment by instalments. If the recipient does not pay the penalty or request a court hearing, a fine at one and a half times the penalty amount is registered against the recipient and enforced in the same way as any other fine. However, operational guidance to the police advises officers that PNDs may not be appropriate for a suspect who appears to be destitute.

Public Order Offences

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many penalty disorder notices were issued  (a) in England and Wales and  (b) by the West Midlands Police Authority in each of the last three years.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 9 February 2007
	The penalty notices for disorder (PND) scheme was brought into effect in England and Wales in 2004 to provide police with a quick and effective means of dealing with a number of minor disorder offences. Under the scheme, a fixed penalty is issued to the offender who has 21 days to either pay the fine or seek a court hearing
	Data on the number of PNDs issued for all offences in  (a) England and Wales and  (b) the West Midlands Police Authority in 2004 and 2005, as well as provisional data for January to June 2006 are provided in the following table. Full provisional data for 2006 will be available in April 2007.
	
		
			  Number of PNDs issued to offenders aged 16 and over in the west midlands police force area and England and Wales 2004-05 and January to June 2006 (provisional data)( 1) 
			  Police force area  2004  2005  2006( 2)  Total 
			 West midlands 4,773 7,320 3,697 15,790 
			 England and Wales 63,639 146,481 88,911 299,031 
			 (1) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (2) January to June (provisional figures)

Rape

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has conducted on the merits of the use of lie detection tests in rape cases.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Home Office commissioned the pilot use of polygraph (lie detection) testing of sex offenders in 10 Probation Areas. The pilot lasted for two years, between September 2003 and September 2005; 347 offenders volunteered for testing, 33 per cent. of whom (116) were tested on two or more occasions. In total, 483 polygraph examinations were carried out. The majority of offenders tested had been convicted of offences against children: 166 (48 per cent.) of contact offences against children, 111 (32 per cent.) of internet related offences, with 70 (20 per cent.) for offences classified as other sex offences. Rapists were not separately classified but were among this 20 per cent. of the sample. The main aim of the study was to assist Offender Managers in risk assessment and risk management based on new disclosures made by offenders during the examination. Overall new disclosures relevant to treatment or supervision were made in 70 per cent. of tests. However, the report does not provide information on differences between offence types and, as the sample was of volunteers, no firm conclusions may be drawn from it as to whether the disclosures are attributable to the polygraph tests. The full report is available from the website of the National Probation Service.

Rape

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reported rapes resulted in convictions in  (a) Solihull and  (b) England and Wales in each of the last five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The following table shows data from the court proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform, namely the number of defendants committed by Solihull magistrates court and convicted of rape at the Crown Courts from 2001 to 2005, and all convictions in England and Wales for rape over the same period.
	
		
			  Number of defendants found guilty of rape at all courts in England and Wales, and where Solihull magistrates court was the committing court, 2001 to 2005( 1,2) 
			   Found guilty 
			   Solihull  England and Wales 
			 2001 5 572 
			 2002 3 655 
			 2003 2 673 
			 2004 4 751 
			 2005 6 796 
			 (1) These data are on the principal offence basis. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.

Recruitment Agencies

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department paid to recruitment agencies for the hire of temporary staff in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: The Department does not hold information at the requested level of detail. To provide such detailed information could be done only at disproportionate cost.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from UK law enforcement agencies on the operation of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 since 2000; and whether he plans to review the operation of the Act.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 8 February 2007
	Prompted partly by representations from police forces, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Home Office have conducted a review of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. The review identified that some practices and processes associated with the legislation are excessively bureaucratic. The Home Office is currently working with ACPO, the Office of Surveillance Commissioners, the Interception of Communications Commissioner's Office and, from April, the National Policing Improvement Agency, to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy whilst ensuring that surveillance which does intrude into people's lives is properly authorised and undertaken lawfully.

Reparation by Offenders

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support is provided for the development of restorative justice in England and Wales.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Government have invested £5 million in the Crime Reduction Programme Restorative Justice pilots and their independent evaluation. The final research reports on victim and offender satisfaction, and on the impact of restorative justice on re-offending and cost-effectiveness, are expected to be published this year. This research will inform our longer term strategy for adult restorative justice. In the meantime, Best Practice Guidance for Restorative Practitioners was issued in December 2004, and this now forms the basis of National Occupational Standards. In March 2005, the National Criminal Justice Board provided guidance to Local Criminal Justice Boards to encourage the development of adult restorative justice schemes, particularly as a service to victims. The guidance included toolkits for local criminal justice agencies setting up schemes.
	The Home Office Youth Justice and Children Unit is the sponsor of the Youth Justice Board (YJB). As part of the YJB's work overseeing the youth justice system to reduce offending and re-offending by children and young people under 18, the YJB has promoted restorative justice in the youth justice system since 2001, including the publication of the key elements of effective practice in restorative justice and setting performance targets for youth offending teams to develop restorative processes with high levels of victim satisfaction. The YJB is working to develop and broaden the practice of restorative justice and in December 2006 an Action Plan, 'Developing Restorative Justice', was published. The plan outlines details of projects which will improve the delivery of referral orders and youth offender panels, promote restorative justice in the secure estate and develop a long term restorative justice strategy.

Respect Action Plan

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will assess the effectiveness of his Department's Respect Action Plan.

Tony McNulty: The Respect Action Plan, published in January 2006, set out an ambitious programme of work to build a modern culture of respect. One year on, good progress is being made and a progress report, published on 22 January 2007, is available on the Respect website at www.respect.gov.uk.
	Evaluation of this programme is being achieved in a number of ways.
	We have established a public-perception-based indicator of respect, which has been placed in the British Crime Survey and the local government user satisfaction survey. This will allow measurement of change in people's perception of respect at the local and the national level. We have also developed a 'basket of measures', agreed with all relevant Government Departments, which identifies change on a number of outcome and output measures that relate to respect, such as truancy and bullying. In addition to this, we conduct and publish a regular survey of local areas to learn more about their use of tools and powers to tackle antisocial behaviour. A number of commitments in the Respect Action Plan are subject to separate evaluations, including an evaluation of the schemes to establish new models for conditional cautions, parenting pathfinders and family intervention projects—the outcome of which will be published fully.
	The Respect programme is a key Government priority and as such is reflected in performance frameworks for local agencies. From 1 April 2007, local area agreements will include mandatory outcomes and indicators on Respect and antisocial behaviour against which progress will be monitored. Together with the relevant Government Departments, we will continue to push forward activity in developing and fulfilling the commitments in the Respect Action Plan.

Respect Zones

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been set aside for funding respect zones.

John Reid: Local authorities confirmed as respect areas will be given access to up to £6 million in 2007-08 (up to £125,000 each) from the Department for Education and Skills to improve parenting provision in their areas. This funding is only available to respect areas and is dependent on achieving that status. Respect areas will continue to receive other funding from the Respect Task Force for work to tackle antisocial behaviour and its causes, although these grants are available to a wider number of areas facing significant challenges and are not dependent on respect area status.

Runaway Children

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children under the age of 18 were victims of crime while running away or missing from care or home in the last 12 months.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 5 February 2007
	The information requested is not available centrally. Information on the overall prevalence of personal victimisation among young people is published in 'Home Office Statistical Bulletin 17/06 Young People and Crime: Findings from the 2005 Offending, Crime and Justice Survey', copies of which are available from the Library of the House or from the Home Office website:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/offending_survey.html

Serious Organised Crime Agency

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 1 February 2007,  Official Report, column 523W, on the Serious and Organised Crime Agency, if he will place in the Library a copy of the  (a) memorandum of understanding and  (b) other document that sets out the operational discretion of the (i) Chairman and (ii) Director General of the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

Vernon Coaker: The operational responsibility of the Director General is set out in section 21 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. Chapter 3 of the Management Statement and Financial Memorandum sets out the role and responsibilities of the Chairman of the SOCA Board. Copies of both documents are available in the Library.

Sexual Harassment: Convictions

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there were for  (a) harassment,  (b) sex discrimination,  (c) breach of human rights legislation and  (d) malicious communication where unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature was a significant feature of the case in each of the last 10 years; and whether convicted offenders in such cases will be placed on the Sexual Offenders Register.

Vernon Coaker: Information held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform does not include data on the circumstances surrounding a case.
	Offenders convicted of a sexual offence (listed in schedule 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003) are automatically made subject to notification requirements, commonly known as the sex offenders register, where relevant age and sentence thresholds have been met. Schedule 5 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 includes offences which could have a sexual motive. Where an offender is cautioned or convicted for an offence under schedule 5, and the police and courts believe the motive to be sexual, they can make that person subject to a Sexual Offence Prevention Order and consequently to notification requirements. Amendments to the Sexual Offences Act 2003, due to be commenced on 19 February 2007, will add a number of offences including harassment; sending prohibited articles by post; and improper use of public electronic communications networks to schedule 5.

Sexual Offences: Morecambe

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people in Morecambe and Lunesdale are on the sex offenders register.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Annual Report for 2005-06 for Lancashire shows that, on 31 March 2006, the total number of registered sex offenders in each of the Basic Command Units (formerly police divisions) was as follows:
	
		
			   Number 
			 Western 198 
			 Northern 167 
			 Southern 135 
			 Central 75 
			 Eastern 236 
			 Pennine 130 
			 Total 941

Sexual Offences: Wales

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many sex offenders are registered in Wales, broken down by police force; how many in each force area are being monitored; and how many are missing from their registered addresses.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 5 February 2007
	The Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Annual Reports for 2005/2006 show that, on 31 March 2006, the total number of registered sex offenders in Wales was as follows:
	
		
			   Number of registered sex offenders 
			 Gwent 391 
			 Dyfed-Powys 308 
			 North Wales 395 
			 South Wales 680 
			 Total 1,774 
		
	
	All registered sex offenders are monitored in line with their individual risk management plan.
	On 31 January 2007, the number of registered sex offenders recorded by police as missing from their registered address was as follows:
	
		
			   Number of registered sex offenders 
			 Gwent 1 
			 Dyfed-Powys 2 
			 North Wales 5 
			 South Wales 5 
			 Total 13

Sheppey Crossing

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police vehicles have been damaged in incidents relating to the closure of Sheppey Crossing.

Tony McNulty: This is a matter for Kent police.

Smoking Ban

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the likely impact of the introduction of the smoking ban on levels of antisocial behaviour.

Caroline Flint: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department is not aware of any evidence that smoke free legislation will impact on levels of antisocial behaviour.

Smuggling: Firearms

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the Minister of State's comments in the House on 7( )February 2007, what discussions his Department has had with HM Revenue and Customs on the importing of illegal firearms; and if he will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 9 February 2007
	The Home Office works with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on a range of issues, including the importing of illegal firearms. HMRC are represented on the Home Secretary's Round Table on Guns, Knives and Gangs, which met most recently on 7 February. A further meeting will be held shortly. HMRC and the Home Office are also represented on the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Criminal Use of Firearms group which is taking forward a wide ranging action plan which focuses on enforcement, intelligence and prevention issues, including the supply of prohibited firearms.
	A Joint Firearms Intelligence Cell (JFIC) has recently been established between ACPO, HMRC, Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office (IND), and the Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA). The JFIC is working on an action plan on the illegal supply and distribution of firearms within the UK.
	In addition, the ACPO CUF Secretariat represents the UK at the European Firearms Experts Working Group. A priority for that working group is the illegal distribution and supply of firearms from a European perspective.
	The chair of the ACPO CUF (chief constable Keith Bristow, Warwickshire) currently chairs the G8 Law Enforcement Projects Sub Group (LEPSG). This group seeks to improve co-ordination and co-operation between the law enforcement agencies of G8 countries.

Speed Limits: Bournemouth

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much revenue was received from fines related to speed cameras in Bournemouth in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Information on revenue from speed camera convictions is not collected centrally.
	The information collected by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform identifies the number of fixed penalties ordered to be paid and the number and amounts of court fines issued for such offences within each police force area. Not all fines and fixed penalties will have been paid.

Stray Dogs

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department has taken to ensure that local authorities are fulfilling their obligations to receive stray dogs under the Environmental Protection Act 1990; and what sanctions are available to him against those which are not fulfilling their obligations.

Tony McNulty: The exercise of local authority statutory duties under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 is a matter for the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Terrorism: Detainees

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from police forces indicating that individual cases of anti-terrorism inquiries since the period of detention was increased to 28 days would have been assisted if there had been a longer period of detention without charges being made.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 8 February 2007
	We have ongoing discussions on the limits on pre-charge detention in terrorist cases with the leaders of the police service and others.

Veritas

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if he will assess the suitability of the company Veritas in providing professional services to police forces in England;
	(2)  what contracts are held by English police forces with the company Veritas.

Tony McNulty: Contractual arrangements with private companies are a matter for individual police forces and their police authorities.

Victim Support Schemes

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been allocated  (a) at a national level for the Restorative Justice Consortium and  (b) to local victim care units.

Gerry Sutcliffe: In 2005, the Home Office provided the Restorative Justice Consortium with one-off investment funding of £36,000 to enable it to concentrate on securing alternative sources of sustainable funding.
	£1 million has been allocated this financial year to pilot new and enhanced services for victims of crime.

Wandsworth Prison

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recreational facilities are available to prisoners at HMP Wandsworth.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The recreational facilities available include a variety of workshops and educational facilities and a library for prisoners to use.
	There is a pool table and a table tennis table on all the residential units, televisions in all cells, for which prisoners pay £1 a week and all prisoners have access to exercise yards each day. There are gyms and fitness suites in the prison, and some units also have access to exercise equipment. Prisoners on the enhanced level of incentives and earned privileges can have access to DVDs and games consoles. There are also reading clubs, film clubs and a radio station.

Young Offenders

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultation was undertaken on Prison Service Order Number 4950; and what representations were received.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The current edition of the Prison Service Order was published in December 2006 following consultation with, among others: the Youth Justice Board; the Department for Education and Skills; the Department of Health; governors/directors of young offender institutions; the Prison Governors' and Prison Officers' Associations; HM Inspectorate of Prisons; and the Independent Monitoring Boards Secretariat. Responses were received from 53 bodies or individuals.

Young Offenders

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice his Department makes available to  (a) children,  (b) their representatives and  (c) their family members on the regime to which they are entitled under Prison Service Order 4950 on regimes for children in prisons; and for what reason (i) girls are no longer treated separately under the order, (ii) the requirement for prison staff to have training in dealing with girls was removed, (iii) the specification on hours to be spent out of the prison cell on purposeful activity was removed, (iv) the mandatory minimum number of hours of education was removed and (v) the requirement to produce records of achievement for children was removed.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Young people newly received into custody must be given information about the establishment and a sentence plan. General information for families and others can be accessed on HM Prison Service's website or requested from the local establishment. Prison Service Order 4950 is complemented by a service level agreement between the Youth Justice Board and the Prison Service, which contains a specific service specification for the service's five dedicated girls' units. The PSO requires that staff working with under-18s should receive specialist training as specified in the SLA. Training is currently provided through the Juvenile Awareness Staff Programme, which contains elements specific to young women. The SLA sets a level of at least 10 hours a day for time out of cell. The under-18 version of the Offender's Learning Journey (OLJ), the specification for the learning and skills delivery service, requires each learner to receive 25 hours learning a week. The SLA reinforces this with the requirement that young people in young offender institutions receive an average of 25 hours of education, training and personal development activity each week. The OLJ requires that every young person should have an Individual Learning Plan, which the learning provider is required to pass on as young people transfer between custodial institutions and, through the youth offending team, to the responsible learning provider following release.

TRANSPORT

Driving Offences

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many motorists were found by police to be driving without  (a) a valid UK driving licence,  (b) insurance,  (c) an MOT and  (d) a valid tax disc in each of the last 10 years, broken down by police force.

Vernon Coaker: I have been asked to reply.
	Information held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform on the numbers of court proceedings and fixed penalty notices issued (where appropriate) for offences of 'driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence'; 'using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks' and 'using or keeping an unlicensed vehicle on a public road', from 1997-2004 (latest available) is provided in the tables.
	The motoring offences of 'causing or permitting use of vehicle without test certificate' contrary to the Road Traffic Act 1988, s. 47 are not separately identifiable, on the court proceedings database, from other similarly grouped motoring offences.
	2005 data will be available later this year.
	
		
			  Table A: Court proceedings( 1)  and fixed penalty notices issued( 2)  for the offence of driving without a licence( 3) , by police force area, England and Wales, 1997-2004 
			  Number of offences 
			   1997  1998  1999  2000 
			  Police force area  Total proceedings  Fixed penalty notices issued  Total proceedings  Fixed penalty notices issued  Total proceedings  Fixed penalty notices issued  Total proceedings  Fixed penalty notices issued 
			 Avon and Somerset 9,392 63 11,635 59 10,744 64 11,026 94 
			 Bedfordshire 2,179 11 2.184 5 1,907 13 2,225 16 
			 Cambridgeshire 1,650 — 1,668 — 1,549 — 1,630 9 
			 Cheshire 2,269 6 2,613 18 3,123 1 3,728 12 
			 Cleveland 2,166 8 2,504 9 2,853 7 3,071 9 
			 Cumbria 2,049 15 1,958 9 2,061 — 2,010 5 
			 Derbyshire 2,857 33 2,653 30 2,783 27 3,123 49 
			 Devon and Cornwall 4,097 115 3,772 107 4,103 80 5,598 — 
			 Dorset 2,269 49 1,703 63 2,225 75 2,923 100 
			 Durham 2,062 5 2,455 13 3,613 6 3,131 4 
			 Essex 3,141 32 3,516 25 3,931 28 4,702 49 
			 Gloucestershire 1,931 — 2,560 — 2.882 8 2,981 40 
			 Greater Manchester 16,991 23 18,826 32 21,789 32 23,920 46 
			 Hampshire 5,938 48 6,012 84 6,593 95 6,216 77 
			 Hertfordshire 1,909 16 2,962 6 2,539 15 3,380 39 
			 Humberside 2,313 59 2,345 74 2,779 38 3,040 82 
			 Kent 3,108 34 3,182 41 2,924 43 4,759 48 
			 Lancashire 16,371 40 15,008 45 14,425 55 15,671 94 
			 Leicestershire 5,022 27 6,403 26 7,417 14 7,303 28 
			 Lincolnshire 2,375 36 2,763 43 3,115 — 2,903 — 
			 London, City of 1,312 32 1,704 40 1,456 28 1,064 20 
			 Merseyside 6,217 20 5,573 27 5,421 101 6,577 125 
			 Metropolitan Police 23,317 644 19,864 711 18,664 695 18,765 376 
			 Norfolk 1,800 33 1,548 45 1,726 57 2,091 36 
			 Northamptonshire 2,481 — 2,515 4 3,161 6 2,321 4 
			 Northumbria 7,024 41 6,696 28 7,744 61 7,841 125 
			 North Yorkshire 2,004 34 1,995 29 2,254 29 2,149 32 
			 Nottinghamshire 3,752 — 4,395 5 4,199 2 4,381 4 
			 South Yorkshire 5,747 37 6,057 70 6,847 62 7,538 88 
			 Staffordshire 4,029 46 4,326 39 4,515 25 5,391 31 
			 Suffolk 1,526 29 1,863 38 2,369 67 2,303 41 
			 Surrey 1,806 11 1,312 33 1,793 42 2,230 37 
			 Sussex 5,397 26 5,303 32 4,814 18 4,643 45 
			 Thames Valley 6,600 51 6,775 58 8,323 52 8,074 76 
			 Warwickshire 2,109 10 1,965 19 1,775 11 2,274 25 
			 West Mercia 3,910 54 4,654 45 4,477 34 4,657 48 
			 West Midlands 17,343 33 18,914 32 17,541 38 19,624 28 
			 West Yorkshire 14,431 34 14,605 50 17,184 41 19,312 71 
			 Wiltshire 1,582 56 2,255 60 2,338 33 3,226 41 
			  
			 Dyfed-Powys 1,488 19 1,410 25 1,620 19 1,686 21 
			 Gwent 2,158 28 2,541 42 2,463 31 2,752 24 
			 North Wales 2,593 17 2,373 16 2,242 19 2,102 21 
			 South Wales 8,775 20 9,959 17 9,907 11 9,736 22 
			  
			 England and Wales 217,490 1,895 225,324 2,154 236,188 2,083 254,077 2,142 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of offences 
			   2001  2002  2003  2004 
			  Police force area  Total proceedings  Fixed penalty notices issued  Total proceedings  Fixed penalty notices issued  Total proceedings  Fixed penalty notices issued  Total proceedings  Fixed penalty notices issued 
			 Avon and Somerset 9,842 100 11,212 130 13,420 133 14,297 196 
			 Bedfordshire 3,197 13 3,263 23 3,338 24 3,150 48 
			 Cambridgeshire 1,457 14 1,737 9 1,855 23 2,016 73 
			 Cheshire 3,140 33 3,615 52 3,992 32 3,925 71 
			 Cleveland 3,274 23 4,390 35 3,893 33 4,673 45 
			 Cumbria 2,017 10 2,053 10 2,041 20 2,101 25 
			 Derbyshire 3,230 80 3,387 130 3,252 153 4,038 164 
			 Devon and Cornwall 5,361 — 6,026 — 5,988 — 5,330 — 
			 Dorset 3,033 104 3,843 87 4,361 100 3,743 92 
			 Durham 3,589 8 3,886 33 3,993 27 3,628 40 
			 Essex 4,609 61 4,703 59 4,291 49 4,319 141 
			 Gloucestershire 3,347 45 3,078 32 2,857 25 2,320 50 
			 Greater Manchester 27,631 88 26,437 106 28,490 87 26,887 180 
			 Hampshire 6,288 128 6,942 112 6,530 108 6,258 313 
			 Hertfordshire 3,816 46 5,039 71 5,225 116 4,967 157 
			 Humberside 3,082 66 2,984 82 3,567 77 3,648 158 
			 Kent 5,358 102 5,700 68 6,114 108 6,770 153 
			 Lancashire 13,667 104 14,452 104 16,797 132 13,280 134 
			 Leicestershire 7,573 33 7,205 50 7,512 95 7,204 168 
			 Lincolnshire 2,541 — 2,643 9 3,826 50 4,540 — 
			 London, City of 959 23 1,504 34 1,651 122 2,280 86 
			 Merseyside 5,987 106 6,936 86 8,847 75 8,938 103 
			 Metropolitan Police 20,465 443 23,486 579 29,248 1,096 33,533 1,314 
			 Norfolk 2,762 37 3,442 38 3,921 36 3,164 35 
			 Northamptonshire 1,157 1 670 2 2,588 5 3,843 1 
			 Northumbria 7,859 219 7,738 255 8,368 285 7,402 381 
			 North Yorkshire 1,949 45 2,000 23 2,261 16 2,410 24 
			 Nottinghamshire 4,648 5 4,583 13 5,656 100 5,909 123 
			 South Yorkshire 9,081 144 9,016 102 8,957 125 7,091 143 
			 Staffordshire 3,576 34 4,045 54 4,176 49 4,586 84 
			 Suffolk 2,685 47 3,103 67 3,724 41 3,712 48 
			 Surrey 2,386 68 2,555 61 2,008 104 2,032 102 
			 Sussex 4,901 38 4,714 37 3,875 68 2,879 132 
			 Thames Valley 7,520 91 8,023 100 8,948 170 7,813 247 
			 Warwickshire 2,311 24 2,121 26 2,234 46 2,695 65 
			 West Mercia 4,827 120 4,844 76 4,837 81 4,732 107 
			 West Midlands 18,946 52 24,022 63 28,179 100 31,643 145 
			 West Yorkshire 22,328 70 19,839 105 22,421 123 28,752 247 
			 Wiltshire 3,810 57 3,765 71 3,525 55 3,396 62 
			  
			 Dyfed-Powys 1,711 11 1,840 28 1,789 28 1,250 31 
			 Gwent 2,817 18 2,754 16 2,304 25 1,984 19 
			 North Wales 1,990 27 2,473 30 3,755 89 3,614 103 
			 South Wales 9,015 18 11,039 19 10,725 18 10,254 41 
			  
			 England and Wales 259,742 2,756 277,107 3,087 305,339 4,249 311,006 5,851 
			 (1 )May include cases where fixed penalty notices were originally issued but not paid and subsequently referred to court. (2 )Only covers tickets paid where there is no further action. (3 )Offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, S,87 (1) & (2) as amended.  Notes:  1. It is known that for some police force areas, the reporting of court proceedings in particular those relating to summary motoring offences, may be less than complete. Work is underway to ensure that the magistrates courts case management system currently being implemented by the Department for Constitutional Affairs reports all motoring offences to the Office for Criminal Justice Reform. This will enable more complete figures to be disseminated. 2. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their limitations are taken into account when these data are used. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table B: Total number of fixed penalty notices issued( 1, 2)  and court proceedings( 3)  for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks( 4), England and Wales, 1997-2004 
			  Number of offences 
			  Police force area  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002 
			 Avon and Somerset 15,354 16,892 15,098 14,609 13,022 15,124 
			 Bedfordshire 4,724 4,449 3,479 3,594 4,651 4,731 
			 Cambridgeshire 3,440 3,425 3,058 2,929 2,508 2,875 
			 Cheshire 4,838 4,961 5,463 5,729 4,975 5,765 
			 Cleveland 3,925 4,204 4,331 4,793 4,789 5,994 
			 Cumbria 4,223 3,787 3,597 3,507 3,595 3,540 
			 Derbyshire 5,565 5,137 5,120 5,318 5,429 5,614 
			 Devon and Cornwall 8,422 7,232 7,493 9,234 8,648 9,598 
			 Dorset 5,271 4,198 4,776 6,035 5,262 6,176 
			 Durham 3,992 4,261 5,899 5,470 5,394 5,840 
			 Essex 7,161 7,025 7,336 7,898 7,708 7,811 
			 Gloucestershire 3,577 4,465 4,443 4,174 4,683 4,417 
			 Greater Manchester 30,655 30,836 33,228 33,783 37,088 36,337 
			 Hampshire 11,768 11,557 11,553 10,559 10,349 10,912 
			 Hertfordshire 4,580 5,799 4,748 5,258 5,816 6,612 
			 Humberside 4,408 4,279 4,894 5,024 4,730 4,464 
			 Kent 6,935 6,958 6,151 9,033 9,592 10,059 
			 Lancashire 20,334 18,794 18,111 18,354 16,280 17,555 
			 Leicestershire 9,706 9,481 11,054 10,263 10,475 10,699 
			 Lincolnshire 4,589 5,000 5,345 4,500 4,083 4,242 
			 London, City of 2,671 3,127 2,521 1,738 1,826 2,353 
			 Merseyside 10,896 9,747 8,932 10,054 9,467 10,360 
			 Metropolitan Police 42,283 35,064 31,285 29,649 32,032 36,485 
			 Norfolk 3,932 3,434 3,468 3,951 4,744 5,563 
			 Northamptonshire 4,999 4,849 5,571 3,949 2,028 1,211 
			 Northumbria 12,470 11,837 13,296 13,195 12,504 12,309 
			 North Yorkshire 3,926 3,744 4,003 3,905 3,545 3,340 
			 Nottinghamshire 8,078 8,726 7,957 7,748 7,856 7,460 
			 South Yorkshire 11,228 11,553 11,763 12,690 14,623 13,859 
			 Staffordshire 8,180 8,210 8,021 8,777 6,027 7,056 
			 Suffolk 3,258 3,743 4,189 3,923 4,123 4,759 
			 Surrey 4,942 3,908 4,436 4,941 5,101 5,554 
			 Sussex 9,333 8,202 7,415 6,796 6,814 6,413 
			 Thames Valley 11,887 11,948 13,543 12,816 11,728 12,842 
			 Warwickshire 4,316 3,769 3,523 4,135 4,204 3,711 
			 West Mercia 7,082 8,207 7,450 7,686 7,787 7,849 
			 West Midlands 29,878 30,928 27,409 28,148 27,010 32,339 
			 West Yorkshire 23,980 23,549 25,776 26,529 27,618 24,873 
			 Wiltshire 3,463 4,820 4,708 4,901 5,292 5,326 
			
			 Dyfed-Powys 3,079 2,852 3,017 3,072 2,953 3,316 
			 Gwent 4,097 4,478 4,451 4,680 4,758 4,508 
			 North Wales 4,859 4,452 4,102 3,697 3,376 4,048 
			 South Wales 14,829 16,187 15,406 14,615 13,805 16,499 
			
			 England and Wales 397,133 390,074 387,419 391,659 388,298 410,398 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of offences 
			   2003( 1)  2004 
			  Police force area  Court proceedings( 3)  Fixed penalty notices issued  Court proceedings( 3)  Fixed penalty notices issued 
			 Avon and Somerset 17,163 5 17,489 47 
			 Bedfordshire 5,041 — 4,534 — 
			 Cambridgeshire 3,301 — 3,120 63 
			 Cheshire 6,385 — 6,515 40 
			 Cleveland 5,575 48 6,597 70 
			 Cumbria 3,488 — 3,446 — 
			 Derbyshire 5,793 — 6,326 — 
			 Devon and Cornwall 9,676 — 8,943 — 
			 Dorset 7,034 — 6,075 — 
			 Durham 5,802 — 5,300 — 
			 Essex 7,489 — 7,132 — 
			 Gloucestershire 4,412 — 3,695 — 
			 Greater Manchester 38,208 9 34,942 44 
			 Hampshire 10,619 — 9,750 111 
			 Hertfordshire 7,216 11 7,463 177 
			 Humberside 5,509 — 5,170 — 
			 Kent 9,788 10 10,673 12 
			 Lancashire 21,229 37 16,065 91 
			 Leicestershire 11,304 34 10,833 62 
			 Lincolnshire 5,883 — 6,621 — 
			 London, City of 2,563 2 2,812 21 
			 Merseyside 12,776 — 13,023 — 
			 Metropolitan Police 43,100 43 47,806 147 
			 Norfolk 6,322 — 5,084 — 
			 Northamptonshire 4,157 5 5,804 40 
			 Northumbria 12,951 38 11,685 7 
			 North Yorkshire 3,774 33 4,065 95 
			 Nottinghamshire 9,224 21 9,224 42 
			 South Yorkshire 13,745 — 11,416 — 
			 Staffordshire 7,214 36 7,439 122 
			 Suffolk 5,808 — 5,718 — 
			 Surrey 4,657 — 3,927 — 
			 Sussex 5,808 — 4,371 — 
			 Thames Valley 14,516 — 12,920 — 
			 Warwickshire 3,756 31 4,160 50 
			 West Mercia 7,735 — 7,249 — 
			 West Midlands 36,409 — 39,696 37 
			 West Yorkshire 26,966 3 32,404 46 
			 Wiltshire 4,794 — 4,641 — 
			  
			 Dyfed-Powys 3,094 — 2,244 — 
			 Gwent 4,083 — 3,474 — 
			 North Wales 5,968 78 6,022 139 
			 South Wales 16,932 — 15,946 — 
			  
			 England and Wales 447,267 444 441,819 1,463 
			 (1) Fixed penalty of £200 introduced as from 1 June 2003. (2) Only covers tickets paid where there is no further action. (3) May include cases where fixed penalty notices were originally issued but not paid and subsequently referred to court. (4) An offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 s. 143 (2)  Notes: 1. It is known that for some police force areas, the reporting of court proceedings in particular those relating to summary motoring offences, may be less than complete. Work is under way to ensure that the magistrates courts case management system currently being implemented by the Department for Constitutional Affairs reports all motoring offences to the Office for Criminal Justice Reform. This will enable more complete figures to be disseminated. 2. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their limitations are taken into account when these data are used. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table C: Proceedings at magistrates courts for the offence of failing to pay appropriate duty( 1)  by police force area, England and Wales, 1997-2004 
			  Number of offences 
			  Police force area  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004 
			 Avon and Somerset 8,090 9,329 7,676 6,786 5,893 7,963 7,027 6,513 
			 Bedfordshire 2,392 2,132 1,488 1,166 846 1,308 2,149 275 
			 Cambridgeshire 1,338 489 23 13 48 13 22 68 
			 Cheshire 2,612 1,549 1,211 3,534 4,078 3,782 4,826 4,368 
			 Cleveland 3,206 2,282 2,265 2,319 1,990 1,585 2,432 1,984 
			 Cumbria 1,552 745 784 915 78 10 1,085 1,051 
			 Derbyshire 3,489 1,824 1,242 1,090 980 1,131 3,870 2,923 
			 Devon and Cornwall 7,173 6,561 6,162 5,923 5,540 8,827 9,826 6,947 
			 Dorset 2,452 3,075 2,591 2,948 3,376 3,058 3,601 3,479 
			 Durham 1,314 1,236 728 336 162 47 11 10 
			 Essex 8,920 9,377 10,784 9,703 6,439 7,091 6,080 5,724 
			 Gloucestershire 2,206 2,117 1,660 1,627 1,794 1,667 2,230 2,417 
			 Greater Manchester 6,377 5,950 5,502 6,917 5,087 4,570 8,756 13,548 
			 Hampshire 6,190 6,097 7,513 7,813 7,921 8,768 7,714 7,618 
			 Hertfordshire 4,567 4,903 5,068 5,142 4,935 3,559 4,643 5,672 
			 Humberside 4,094 2,400 4,333 4,838 4,532 4,649 5,410 4,106 
			 Kent 998 1,958 189 43 2,250 4,503 5,411 5,831 
			 Lancashire 3,611 5,479 5,146 5,890 7,215 5,351 6,414 4,688 
			 Leicestershire 5,201 5,745 5,460 5,802 5,487 5,881 5,671 4,324 
			 Lincolnshire 3,128 2,753 2,661 2,162 2,078 2,303 2,501 2,042 
			 London, City of 762 1,052 632 344 389 476 408 245 
			 Merseyside 2,036 4,797 2,762 4,656 5,573 4,864 8,252 7,955 
			 Metropolitan Police 19,618 16,980 16,375 15,408 15,603 14,649 26,813 40,086 
			 Norfolk 2,623 972 903 875 1,937 2,059 3,118 2,819 
			 Northamptonshire 3,626 4,100 3,908 4,824 4,408 4,880 4,462 3,435 
			 Northumbria 4,092 3,107 3,619 4,559 4,245 3,618 3,183 2,588 
			 North Yorkshire 1,590 1,309 1,076 924 950 714 846 1,227 
			 Nottinghamshire 4,831 5,185 4,965 4,558 4,001 4,265 3,920 4,439 
			 South Yorkshire 3,382 1,339 981 954 1,249 1,336 3,771 4,292 
			 Staffordshire 2,573 1,696 571 409 146 81 75 167 
			 Suffolk 2,402 2,894 2,923 3,593 2,912 2,911 2,993 2,596 
			 Surrey 1,556 1,442 1,478 2,197 2,269 2,612 2,240 143 
			 Sussex 5,928 7,635 5,330 7,114 6,794 6,803 7,733 317 
			 Thames Valley 2,844 1,581 1,239 2,811 2,456 1,894 3,409 4,935 
			 Warwickshire 2,320 1,227 1,002 942 872 798 983 1,901 
			 West Mercia 2,614 3,383 2,944 3,419 3,122 3,099 3,061 122 
			 West Midlands 17,406 9,389 7,432 6,607 5,035 5,528 14,040 11,350 
			 West Yorkshire 7,572 6,112 5,685 6,246 5,662 5,151 8,547 9,139 
			 Wiltshire 1,503 3,400 2,330 2,146 2,292 2,281 2,425 2,138 
			  
			 Dyfed-Powys 2,463 2,587 2,289 2,067 1,841 1,925 1,784 1,487 
			 Gwent 3,021 2,584 1,985 2,783 3,456 4,330 4,184 3,400 
			 North Wales 2,200 1,400 1,359 1,613 1,941 2,781 3,188 2,240 
			 South Wales 6,686 6,187 4,550 4,155 4,383 4,776 6,362 7,189 
			  
			 England and Wales 182,558 166,359 148,824 158,171 152,265 157,897 205,476 197,798 
			 (1) Offence under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 s. 29 (1) - (3)  Notes: 1. It is known that for some police force areas, the reporting of court proceedings in particular those relating to summary motoring offences, may be less than complete. Work is under way to ensure that the magistrates courts case management system currently being implemented by the Department for Constitutional Affairs reports all motoring offences to the Office for Criminal Justice Reform. This will enable more complete figures to be disseminated. 2. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the economic value of unpaid family labour to the farming industry.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 8 February 2007
	The latest estimate of "Total Income from Farming" (TIFF), published on 31 January, was £2.72 billion for 2006. TIFF represents business profits plus remuneration for work done by owners and other unpaid workers. An estimate is not separately made for family workers.

Forced Labour

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what account his Department takes of the use of forced labour in the farming of imported food, with particular reference to the possible role of trafficked children in harvesting cocoa beans; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: The Government are committed to the elimination of trafficking and child labour in all countries and for all purposes—including the possible role of trafficked children in harvesting cocoa beans. Through our links with PROBA (EU Working Party on Commodities), we encourage the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) work on improving long-term and sustainable economies in cocoa-producing countries. This includes strengthening institutional capacity to address forced labour and the worst forms of child labour. It is critical that the underlying poverty that is at the root of trafficking and child labour is tackled. Stopping child labour without ensuring alternative income for the family or appropriate, good quality education opportunities for the children is likely to be ineffective and may drive children into more hidden and harmful jobs.
	The Government have a strong commitment to ratification and enforcement of international human rights standards: the UK has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 138 on the minimum age for employment and ILO Convention 182 on the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, and encourages other countries to ratify and conform to these Conventions. DFID is a major supporter of the ILO, including its International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) and the Special Programme for the Elimination of Forced Labour (SAP-FL).

Agriculture: Subsidies

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of preparations to deliver single farm payments for 2006-07; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: The position remains as set out in my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's statement to the House on 7 November 2006,  Official Report, column 715.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether any payments have been made under the single payment scheme for Ireby Fell, Lancashire.

Barry Gardiner: Detailed analysis of all the payments made under the 2005 single payment scheme is not yet available. Once the remaining 2005 scheme payments have been completed, a decision will be taken on the level of detail that will be published.

Agriculture: Subsidies

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will publish the 50 largest single farm payments made by 31 January 2007 in relation to applications made in 2005.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 6 February 2007
	Detailed analysis of all the payments made under the 2005 single payment scheme is not yet available. Once the remaining 2005 scheme payments have been completed, a decision will be taken on the level of detail that will be published.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 December 2006,  Official Report, column 221W, on the Single Payment Scheme, what the average length of time taken by the Rural Payments Agency was to validate English land details on applications received from Scottish area offices for the application periods  (a) 2005 and  (b) 2006.

Barry Gardiner: Figures on the average time taken to process an English application are currently not available for 2005. This is owing to the task-based approach that was adopted during the first year of the scheme. As such, progress was monitored against the total number of outstanding tasks, rather than the number of individual claims fully validated.
	For 2006 a 'whole case' approach has been adopted and current figures show a marked increase in the number of claims paid, compared to this time last year. As processing still continues meaningful averages of the time taken to fully validate a cross-border claim are not yet available.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 December 2006,  Official Report, column 221W, on the Single Payment Scheme, how many Single Payment Scheme applications have been received by the Rural Payments Agency from  (a) farmers with cross-border holdings in England and Scotland where most of the land lies in England and  (b) Scottish area offices for validation of applications from farmers with cross-border holdings in England and Scotland where most of the land lies in Scotland in (i) 2005 and (ii) 2006.

Barry Gardiner: The information requested is given as follows:
	 (a) RPA records show that in 2005 66 farmers with land in Scotland submitted a claim to England as the majority of the land was situated in England. In the 2006 scheme year this figure reduced to 63 farmers.
	 (b) RPA records show that in 2005 74 farmers with land in England submitted a claim to Scotland as the majority of the land was situated in Scotland. In the 2006 scheme year this figure increased to 79 farmers.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 December 2006,  Official Report, column 221W, on the Single Payment Scheme, how many applications sent to the Rural Payments Agency from Scottish area offices for validation of English land details were outstanding at 1 July 2006; how many of these have now been processed; and what the total value is of interest paid on these claims due to late processing.

Barry Gardiner: Entitlement data for 31 cases were issued to the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department prior to 31 July 2006 leaving 43 outstanding at that time which required re-calculation in order to correct some inaccuracies associated with the historical data. To date 59 cases have been issued to SEERAD for incorporation into the single payment, leaving 15 cases outstanding.
	SEERAD has confirmed that the value of any interest payments associated with late SPS payments in cases where they are the responsible paying agency is still being calculated and these figures are not available at this time.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 December 2006,  Official Report, column 221W, on the Single Payment Scheme, what the average length of time taken was  (a) by the Rural Payments Agency to pass a claim to Scotland for validation of Scottish land details,  (b) by a Scottish area office to validate Scottish land details and process the application and  (c) to process the entire claim in respect of claims made by farmers with cross-border holdings in England and Scotland where most of the land lies in England in (i) 2005 and (ii) 2006.

Barry Gardiner: The information requested is given as follows:
	 (a) It is not possible to provide an average length of time taken by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) to pass a Single Payment Scheme (SPS) claim to Scotland for validation of Scottish land details as 2005 Scottish claims received at RPA were sent to SEERAD during August 2005 as part of a bulk exchange. This exercise was repeated for the 2006 SPS scheme year.
	 (b) The Scottish Executive has informed RPA that the time taken by a Scottish area office to validate Scottish land details and process the application is not held in a manner that would allow the question to be answered.
	 (c) Figures on the average time taken to process an English application are currently not available for 2005. This is owing to the task-based approach that was adopted during the first year of the scheme. As such, progress was monitored against the total number of outstanding tasks rather than the number of individual claims fully validated.
	For 2006 a 'whole case' approach has been adopted and current figures show a marked increase in the number of claims paid compared with this time last year. As processing still continues meaningful averages of the time taken to fully validate a cross-border claim are not yet available.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what criteria are used to determine whether areas are accepted as having Higher Level Stewardship status; if he will commission research into the consistency with which evidence is collected and assessed against those criteria; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) is open to all farmers in England. HLS is a competitive scheme which aims to deliver significant environmental outcomes in high priority situations and areas. The key characteristics of the different parts of the English countryside have been outlined in over 150 Joint Character Areas. Each area has priority targets for the management of a variety of features and HLS applications are scored directly against these targets. Those applications which meet or exceed a pre-determined regional threshold may be offered an agreement. It therefore follows that applications which address the relevant priority targets for their area have the greatest likelihood of approval.
	Targeting of HLS is due to be reviewed in association with national and regional stakeholders later this year, taking account of an independent evaluation of Environmental Stewardship as a whole which we have already commissioned.

Air Pollution

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate his Department has made of the carbon emissions generated by the electricity requirements of Christmas lights; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Minister for Science and Innovation on 15 January 2007,  Official Report, column 807W.

Air Pollution

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what criteria are used by his Department in selecting companies providing carbon offsetting services; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: DEFRA acts as co-ordinator for the cross-Whitehall Government Carbon Offsetting Fund (GCOF). In August 2006 an open Official Journal of the European Union tender was issued for a company to deliver the emission reductions required to fulfil Government's carbon offsetting requirements via the GCOF. The tender specified that the following offsetting project criteria were required:
	1. All offsetting projects are Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects
	2. Project activities are limited to small-scale renewable energy and or energy efficiency projects
	3. All projects have strong sustainable development benefits. These include environmental, social, economic and technological benefits.
	The GCOF tender also required:
	1. Delivery of 255,000 Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) by April 2009, with a delayed option to purchase a further 50,000.
	2. A price per CER fixed for the duration of the contract.
	The tendering process concluded with the selection of EEA Fund Management, announced on 28 December 2006.

Animal Welfare: EC Law

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the impact of EC Council Regulations 1/2005 on  (a) county shows,  (b) horse trials,  (c) dog shows and  (d) other animal fairs;
	(2)  for which groups exceptions will be made under EC Council Regulations 1/2005; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005, on the protection of animals during transport and related operations, applies to the transport of live vertebrate animals that takes place in connection with an economic activity. The term 'economic activity' is not defined in the regulation but my Department has provided a view on its meaning in guidance.
	In this guidance, we have taken the view that the regulation applies to animals transported as part of a business or commercial activity that aims to achieve financial gain, whether direct or indirect, for any person or company involved in the transport.
	The guidance also makes it clear that we do not consider economic activity to include those who attend events such as county shows, horse trials, dog shows or other animal fairs as a hobby, that is for pleasure or competition rather than as a part of a business. The impact of the regulation on such events should not therefore be significant.

Animals: Disease Control

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many mobile incinerators he has available to incinerate animals for the purposes of disease control; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: None. Most mobile incinerators have a very limited capacity and are only approved to process less than 50 kilograms per hour and require a site specific licence. They are, therefore, not considered to be a viable disposal solution for most infected premises.

Animals: Disease Control

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what biosecurity measures are in place for the transportation of animals culled for the purposes of disease control;
	(2)  what his Department's policy is on transporting animals culled for disease control; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Strict biosecurity measures are in place for the transportation of animals culled for disease control purposes.
	With regards to the recent outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in Suffolk, carcasses were transported in sealed, leak-proof lorries, fully covered with securely fixed top covers or tarpaulins, to a plant in Staffordshire where they were rendered.
	A number of measures were taken prior to the lorries leaving the infected premises to ensure that trucks were not overfilled and leaks did not occur. Prior to use, each vehicle is leak tested and visually inspected for defects. Before being licensed off the site, the external surfaces of the vehicle were sprayed down with an approved disinfectant as a further biosecurity measure. Each batch of trucks was also accompanied by an escort to ensure that the trucks did not leak, that material did not fall from the vehicle and that, in the unlikely event of an accident or incident involving the vehicle, measures could be taken to protect human and animal health and the environment.
	Drivers carried a certificate of leak-testing and a transport incident record card which detailed the actions to be taken in the event of an accident or incident.

Avian Influenza

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance his Department is issuing to local government to assist measures to prevent the spread of the H5N1 virus.

Ben Bradshaw: My Department works closely with the Local Authority Coordination of Regulatory Services (LACORS), the State Veterinary Service (SVS) and other operational partners to ensure effective preparedness for an outbreak of avian influenza.
	Local authorities (both trading standards and emergency planners) have close working relationships with LACORS and their local SVS offices on an ongoing basis, which provide mutual support and guidance where required.
	Local authorities regularly participate in animal disease contingency exercises led by the SVS, and LACORS provides guidance on its website including a local authority contingency plan template as well as extensive guidance on responsibilities during an outbreak.
	In addition, a range of guidance on preventative measures has been made available to local authorities, from DEFRA, including guidance on the national poultry register, biosecurity, bird gatherings and other relevant guidance.
	These relationships have worked extremely well since the confirmed case of H5N1 near Lowestoft in Suffolk, and have ensured that local authorities' needs are recognised at national level.

Avian Influenza

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions his Department has had with  (a) the EU and  (b) relevant Government Departments in non-EU countries on the H5N1 virus.

Ben Bradshaw: DEFRA routinely liaises closely with the European Commission and other member states through meetings of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) and the Chief Veterinary Officers' Working Group. Officials also communicate regularly through facsimiles, e-mails and telephone conversations.
	At a meeting of SCoFCAH on 6 February, the Commission supported the timely action that DEFRA has taken in relation to the recent outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in Suffolk. SCoFCAH also enabled the export of poultry and poultry products from outside the restricted zone to other member states to continue as normal.
	DEFRA is liaising closely with third world countries and is keeping them informed of the current situation. In addition, my Department has also provided all countries with details of the recent outbreak through the OIE (International Animal Health Organisation) notification system and the Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS).

Avian Influenza

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what systems are in place to screen relevant products imported into the UK for the H5N1 virus.

Ben Bradshaw: The UK does not accept uncooked meat or live birds from areas where H5N1 has been reported.
	We do not routinely screen all products imported into the UK for any disease. In the case of H5N1, it would not be practicable or proportionate to do so.
	Veterinary checks are carried out on imported animals and animal products from approved establishments in approved countries outside the EU, to ensure that they meet the strict EU veterinary import conditions and do not pose a risk to public or animal health. All consignments are subject to documentary and identity checks. At least 50 per cent. of poultry meat consignments undergo physical checks, as do all consignments of live birds. These must come with an official health certificate guaranteeing compliance with EU rules and freedom from disease.
	The State Veterinary Service carries out checks of live animals at Border Inspection Points (BIP). Checks on meat products are carried out by local authorities. Consignments which do not comply with EU import conditions are either re-exported outside the EU or destroyed.
	If there is an outbreak of disease likely to present a risk to human or animal health, EU legislation permits us to take appropriate safeguard action, which may include a ban on imports of meat from all, or parts, of an affected country. Should such an outbreak occur within another EU member state, EU law compels the authorities to introduce measures to protect animal health including movement bans and protection and surveillance zones.
	In addition, all frontline HMRC detection staff include products of animal origin (POAO) as part of their anti-smuggling responsibilities. Within these resources there are also dedicated teams deployed (currently totalling around 100 officers) with prime responsibility for detecting illegal POAO imports. HMRC controls are carried out on the basis of risk assessments and other intelligence, so that the routes considered to pose the greatest disease risk are targeted . HMRC's activities are supported by the use of detector dogs and baggage X-ray scanning equipment.

Avian Influenza

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of those areas most at risk from the H5N1 virus spreading from Suffolk.

Ben Bradshaw: As part of our investigation into this outbreak we have been assessing the risk of onward spread of disease.
	Movements of anything that may have spread disease onto or away from the infected premises (IP) have been traced to identify 'at risk' premises. An investigation is carried out on these premises to establish whether disease is present.
	Within the surveillance zone (SZ) and protection zone (PZ) we have been assessing whether there has been any spread of disease to other poultry premises. This surveillance started within the PZ initially and is now moving out into the SZ (as risk reduces with distance from the IP). Poultry are undergoing clinical surveillances and waterfowl are being sampled for laboratory screening.
	Our investigations have not yet revealed any evidence of spread from the IP to other domestic flocks.
	Elsewhere in the country, we will continue to pursue our existing wild bird surveillance programme on live and dead wild birds which is targeted to those areas likely to be at greatest risk, including the restriction zone in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Avian Influenza

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how many and what proportion of workers in the poultry industry have been vaccinated against avian influenza;
	(2)  how many and what percentage of people in the United Kingdom could be vaccinated against avian influenza with the stock his Department holds.

Ben Bradshaw: DEFRA does not hold information on human vaccination. This is a matter for the Department of Health.

Avian Influenza

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures his Department is taking to avoid a ban on UK poultry exports.

Ben Bradshaw: DEFRA a is liaising closely with interested parties to identify key export markets for poultry. We work closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and UK Trade and Investment overseas posts to try to keep export markets open by providing information and reassurance about the avian influenza situation in the UK. Where necessary, DEFRA negotiates with the veterinary authorities of importing countries to get import bans lifted and/or to agree revised export health certification.

Avian Influenza

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what information his Department is providing to the public on the avian influenza outbreak;
	(2)  what advice he plans to provide to people within a future quarantine danger zone in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza.

Ben Bradshaw: DEFRA has conducted a range of communications activities for poultry keepers, industry personnel, vets, local residents and the general public. Some messages have been targeted within the protection and surveillance zones, but others have been sent to poultry keepers across Britain.
	Messages have kept recipients up-to-date with the latest developments and have given information on human health, biosecurity, movement restrictions, pets, wild birds surveillance, eating poultry and countryside access. Methods of communication have included conferences, teleconferences, text messages, press notices, information packs (door drops), emails and letters (including a mailout to all Suffolk residents).
	In addition, the latest information is available from the DEFRA website and the DEFRA Helpline.
	My Department keeps its emergency communications strategy under review.

Avian Influenza

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure that future incidents of avian influenza are reported immediately.

Ben Bradshaw: The law on this is clear. A notifiable disease (such as avian influenza) is a disease named in section 88 of the Animal Health Act 1981 or an order made under that Act. Section 15(1) of the Act says that:
	"any person having in their possession or under their charge an animal affected or suspected of having one of these diseases must, with all practicable speed, notify that fact to a police constable."
	In practice, if someone suspects signs of a notifiable disease, they must immediately notify a DEFRA Divisional Veterinary Manager.

Avian Influenza

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure avian influenza does not spread via employees working on poultry farms.

Ben Bradshaw: DEFRA has issued extensive guidance to bird keepers on biosecurity measures. The guidance, available on the DEFRA website, applies to everyone who enters a farm or premises with farm animals, or enters land used for grazing or keeping farm animals.
	It deals with the precautions to be taken when entering or leaving any premises with farm animals:
	i. in the absence of an outbreak of exotic notifiable disease;
	ii. after confirmation of an outbreak of exotic notifiable disease;
	iii. and to premises under specific animal disease restrictions.
	The guidance applies generally to all premises with farm animals and to all exotic diseases. When followed, it should help reduce the spread of animal diseases to other premises with farm animals. It is not intended to interfere with sensible public access to land and enjoyment of the countryside.
	Information and guidance on avoiding risk of zoonotic infections when working with poultry that is suspected of having highly pathogenic avian influenza has been produced by DEFRA and industry through the Government and industry working group. It is available on the Health and Safety Executive and DEFRA websites. This information and guidance is being followed in the current outbreak.
	In addition, my Department is working in conjunction with the Health Protection Unit who are fully engaged with human health risk assessments for State Veterinary Service staff, farm workers and those involved in the control operation. As a precautionary measure, those involved in the control of the avian influenza outbreak in Suffolk have been offered the appropriate preventive treatment with antiviral drugs (oseltamivir), seasonal flu vaccine and avian influenza personnel protective equipment in line with established protocols.
	DEFRA is assisting the Department of Health in offering free flu vaccination during this winter's flu season to those who work in close contact with poultry as a precautionary public health measure. Immunising poultry workers with seasonal flu vaccine to prevent the potential re-assortment of a bird flu virus was one of the public health measures set out in the UK Influenza Pandemic Contingency Plan.

Avian Influenza

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure avian influenza does not spread via migratory birds.

Ben Bradshaw: Targeted surveillance for high pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza and other avian influenza viruses in wild birds is in place throughout the UK and is ongoing. The targeted surveillance focuses on species of wild birds that experts believe to have a greater potential role in the spread of avian influenza viruses. There is a comprehensive list which generally includes ducks, geese, swans, gulls and waders. Sampling is targeted to high priority surveillance areas; these have been chosen on the basis of abundance of migratory waterbird species and domestic poultry. Members of the public can report dead swans, ducks, geese, waders and gulls by calling the DEFRA Helpline 08459 33 55 77.
	Within the area around the infected premises in Suffolk, there will be enhanced levels of surveillance of wild birds. We are aware of 30 key waterbird locations in Suffolk (such as estuaries and marshes). 12 of these locations are within 20 kilometres of the infected premises of which 10 are patrolled regularly as part of the programme. Within the protection, surveillance and restricted zones we are requiring keepers to house their birds or otherwise separate them from contact with wild birds.
	DEFRA has also issued extensive guidance to bird keepers on biosecurity measures to protect their birds from avian influenza, which is available on the DEFRA website. It is crucial that keepers follow these measures.

Avian Influenza

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many vehicles were used during the Suffolk H5N1 outbreak to transfer culled birds to be incinerated; and what vehicle types were used.

Ben Bradshaw: A total of 25 vehicles were used to transport culled birds from Suffolk to the rendering plant in Staffordshire. The trailers used were specialist, purpose built bulkers designed to transport animal by-products.

Beetles

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what steps are being taken to ensure that there is  (a) sufficient water available at Pashford Poors, Suffolk and  (b) high water quality at the Lewes Levels, East Sussex to ensure the survival of the (i) Pashford pot beetle and (ii) Sussex diving beetle;
	(2)  whether the habitat quality at the locations last known to be inhabited by the Pashford pot beetle and the Sussex diving beetle remains sufficient to ensure the survival of the two species.

Barry Gardiner: Little is known of the Pashford pot beetle, other than that it is associated with wetlands. During the last century it was recorded from various sites in the Norfolk Broads and Lincolnshire fens but, since 1910, it has been known from only a single site, Pashford Poors Fen in Suffolk. It has not been seen since 1986.
	Pashford Poors Fen is probably not an ideal location for this species, as it comprises a series of small wetlands in a matrix of dry Breckland grassland. The area has not been subject to the extensive sallow scrub invasion that the beetle needs, and may be too small to support a thriving population.
	A study in 2006 found that, in Britain, the Sussex diving beetle,  Laccophilus poecilus (also called the Puzzled Skipper), has mainly been associated with grazing fen in richly vegetated ditch margins. However, this species can also occupy a wide range of stagnant habitats. Occasional captures of specimens in Yorkshire suggest that there is as yet an undiscovered colony.
	The RSPB has recently acquired a large area of land at Lewes Levels, which includes the last known recorded locality for this species. Over a year ago a site visit was undertaken by representatives from the RSPB, Natural England and the Aquatic Coleoptera Conservation Trust to determine what site management could be carried out for the species. The issue of water quality was also raised. It was considered that the construction of on-site water bodies (ponds) that were not linked to the main water system of ditches (and hence isolated from eutrophication) would be beneficial.
	Circumstance permitting, it is expected that the RSPB will undertake work to create suitable ponds in the near future.
	Overall, however, the primary conservation goal is to establish the Sussex diving beetle's exact status and locality. This will help to inform decisions about the most suitable steps to be taken to conserve this species.

Biodiversity

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of climate change on regions classified as biodiversity hotspots.

Barry Gardiner: The issue has been considered in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and a number of other recent scientific papers. We look forward to the publication, later this year, of the Working Group II contribution to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report which will include assessment of impacts on biodiversity.

Biofuels

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what acreage of biofuels was grown in England in each of the last five years.

Ian Pearson: holding answer 6 February 2007
	Definitive figures on the acreage of biofuels grown in England are not available. However some information on the area of oilseed rape grown for use in biofuel production is available from the Energy Aid Scheme which started in 2004. In England there were 32,237 hectares of oilseed rape grown in 2004 and in 2005 this had increased to 92,727 hectares.
	These figures may not capture all oilseed rape grown for biofuel production; only that declared under this particular scheme. Oilseed rape grown on other land and which may have been used for biofuel production is not known because there is no way of identifying the end use of the crop. From 1 April 2008, the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) will require a declaration of sustainability to help identify sources of biofuels.

Dairy Farming

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dairy farmers there are in England; and what the corresponding figure was in 1997.

Barry Gardiner: The number of holdings in England where dairy is the predominant farming activity are shown in the table. 2005 is currently the latest data available at this level of detail.
	
		
			   Number 
			 1997 18,007 
			 2005 12,918 
			  Note: Figures prior to 2000 are for main holdings only. Figures from 2000 onwards include all holdings.  Source: June Agricultural Survey.

Dairy Industry

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has had, and with what groups, on the dairy industry.

Barry Gardiner: My noble Friend Lord Rooker and his officials meet with various organisations where dairy issues are raised and discussed.

Departmental Offices

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what area of office space his Department and its agencies used in central London in  (a) 2004 and  (b) 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs confirms that the Department and its agencies used the area of office space in central London detailed as follows:
	 (a) 2004
	Total area of properties owned (freehold) for the Department—nil
	Total area of properties owned (freehold) for its agencies—nil
	Total area of properties leased for the Department—71,312 square metres
	Total area of properties leased for the agencies—nil.
	 (b) 2006
	Total area of properties owned (freehold) for the Department—nil
	Total area of properties owned (freehold) for its agencies—nil
	Total area of properties leased for the Department—65,063 square metres
	Total area of properties leased for the agencies—nil.

Domestic Wastes

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of total waste was household waste in the latest period for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: Household waste accounted for an estimated 9 per cent. of the total 335 million tonnes of waste produced in the UK in 2004.
	The latest data for municipal waste show that the amount of waste collected from household sources decreased by 0.8 per cent. in 2005-06, from 25.7 million tonnes in 2004-05, to 25.5 million tonnes in 2005-06.

Electronic Equipment: Recycling

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans his Department has to increase the proportion of  (a) technological and  (b) white goods recycled.

Ben Bradshaw: DEFRA is working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on the implementation of the EU waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directive. From July 2007, the directive makes producers financially responsible for the treatment and recycling of electronic equipment when it becomes waste.
	The WEEE regulations apply to electrical and electronic equipment which fall within the 10 product categories listed in the WEEE directive. This includes both small and large household appliances (which will include white goods), IT and telecommunications equipment as well as other consumer equipment. In particular, the regulations transpose the treatment and permitting requirements of the directive, which are intended to improve the environmental performance of operators directly involved in the treatment of WEEE.
	DEFRA has also worked with the DTI on the implementation of the EU RoHS (Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment) directive. Since 1 July 2006, the RoHS regulations have restricted the use of six substances in the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment, meaning that they will be easier to treat and recycle when they become waste.

Energy: Public buildings

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to reduce energy consumption in public buildings.

Ian Pearson: Building owners, including the public sector, now face new responsibilities under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations to tackle energy efficiency in all new buildings and when refurbishing existing buildings. The revised legal framework and Approved Documents for Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) that came into effect on 6 April 2006, are expected to reduce carbon emissions introduced by up to 27 per cent. for non-domestic buildings.
	The Energy Review, published on 11 July 2006, includes strengthened new targets for the Government Office estate. This commits us to go carbon neutral by 2012, and that we will reduce carbon emissions by 30 per cent. by 2020.
	To help achieve these targets, Carbon Management from the Carbon Trust provides a strategic view on how carbon impacts public sector organisations by identifying the risks and opportunities associated with climate change. There are specialist tailored programmes for local authorities, higher education and the NHS.
	We have also provided funding of around £20 million for a new revolving fund for the whole of the public sector, to finance investment in energy efficiency. Salix, a company operated by the Carbon Trust, uses this funding to set up ring-fenced recycled loan funds in public sector organisations where funding is matched by the organisation and used to invest in cost-effective, long-term energy saving projects such as insulation, heating and lighting.

Energy; Conservation

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will allow smart meters to be included on the list of products that can be used by the Energy Saving Trust for the energy efficient commitment (EEC3); and when he will make a decision on which products may be allowed.

Ian Pearson: holding answer 5 February 2007
	We are considering smart meters as part of our consultation on energy billing and metering to take forward the measures in the 2006 Energy Review and the transposition of the European Community Directive on Energy End Use Efficiency and Energy Services. Responses from the consultation, ending on 6 February 2007, will help to formulate our position on billing and metering issues to be published in the Energy White Paper.
	The statutory consultation on the third phase of the Energy Efficiency Commitment 2008-11 (EEC3), planned for spring 2007, will cover a range of measures that energy suppliers may promote to achieve carbon savings in the household sector. It will take account of possible developments on transposition of the Energy End Use and Energy Services Directive.

Envirowise

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been allocated to Envirowise for the year 2006-07.

Ben Bradshaw: The total amount of funding allocated to the Envirowise programme for the year 2006-07 is £18,874,493.

Envirowise

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 15 January 2007,  Official Report, column 768W, on Envirowise, what measurements are used to evaluate the effect of the Envirowise programme; and what the outcomes of the programme have been in relation to  (a) increased business profits,  (b) minimising business waste and  (c) reducing environmental impact of businesses.

Ben Bradshaw: Independent assessments of Envirowise's impact on UK business have been regularly undertaken since the programme's formation. These assessments measure the level of savings, both financial and in terms of various waste streams, that have been achieved from the programme's encouragement of waste minimisation and resource efficient practices. Types of waste streams measured include water, effluent, raw materials and solid waste.
	The programme has, since its inception in 1994, helped business make over £1.3 billion in cumulative savings while at the same time reducing business waste to landfill by 8.5 million tonnes.

Fisheries: Quotas

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he has to change the way in which fishing quotas are allocated; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: In the light of the "Net Benefits" report by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit, DEFRA and the devolved fisheries administrations have embarked upon a programme of change to the UK's quota management arrangements. Work on this programme has been taken forward in association with interested parties. Options are being developed which will be subject to full public consultation during 2007. The overall objective of the programme is to achieve a quota management system which is capable of meeting the current and future needs of all sectors of the fishing industry.

Fisheries: Quotas

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will list those who have been in receipt of the UK allocation of fishing quota in each year since 1997.

Ben Bradshaw: Under the UK's quota management rules, quota allocations are issued annually by fisheries administrations to the following groups:
	(i) fish producer organisations (FPOs)
	(ii) the non-sector (comprising vessels over 10 m in length not in membership of an FPO)
	(iii) the 10 m and under fleet
	(iv) the Isle of Man Government
	(v) the Lunar Group of pelagic vessels
	(vi) the mackerel handline fleet in waters off the South West coast of England
	(vii) the group of vessels fishing for herring in the Irish sea.
	The FPOs currently in receipt of quota allocations are the Aberdeen FPO, the Anglo-North Irish FPO, the Anglo-Scottish FPO, the Cornish FPO, the Eastern England (formerly the Grimsby) FPO, the Fife FPO, the Fish Producers' Organisation Ltd., the Fleetwood FPO, the Lowestoft FPO, the North East of Scotland FPO, the Northern PO, the Northern Ireland FPO, the North Sea Fishermen's Organisation, the Orkney FPO, the Scottish Fishermen's Organisation, the Shetland FPO, the South Western FPO, the Wales and West Coast FPO, and the West of Scotland FPO.
	The changes in the recipients of quota allocations since 1997 have been:
	(a) the Orkney FPO was first issued with allocations in 2000
	(b) prior to 2004, allocations were issued to the Yorkshire and Anglia FPO
	(c) the Isle of Man Government was first issued with allocations in 2004.

Flood Control

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what contingency plans have been drawn up in the event of Bournemouth flooding.

Ian Pearson: DEFRA has lead responsibility for national preparedness for flooding in England and is working, as part of the Cabinet Office-led Capabilities Programme, to build the capability of all key players across the country. Regionally, the lead planning role falls to the Government offices for the regions working with local authorities, the Environment Agency and emergency services. The police will lead the response during an actual emergency. The Environment Agency has a role in forecasting and warning of potential flooding from rivers and the sea.
	I understand Bournemouth borough council has an incident plan which includes flooding. The Environment Agency has worked closely with the council and emergency services to ensure they have an understanding of the risks within Bournemouth, including the vulnerable nature of some communities such as residents of mobile homes. The agency has worked with these communities and the council to increase public awareness of the risks and to improve resilience, for example, through residents' flood plans and emergency exercises at locations such as Iford Bridge.

Flood Control

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans there are to improve flood defences at Sunderland Point, Morecambe.

Ian Pearson: Sunderland Point is an exposed low-lying headland at the mouth of the River Lune. Lancaster City council is carefully monitoring erosion of the Point, which is taking place at an average rate of approximately 0.5 to 1m a year. The nearest properties in the area are more than 200 m from the Point.
	The Environment Agency has warning systems in place in relation to high tides and storm surge conditions, and is involved in ongoing discussions with Lancaster City council, Natural England and local landowners about flood risks.

Flowers: Imports

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what controls are placed on the import of flowers into the UK in relation to the use of  (a) pesticides and  (b) environmentally unsustainable practices; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: We do not monitor imported flowers for pesticide residues nor do we have any power to insist that the material is produced in an environmentally sustainable way. However, EU common quality standards require that marketed cut flowers must be free of pesticide residues that affect the visual quality of the product and the Plant Health Order requires that they must also be free from certain plant pests, which do not normally occur in the UK.
	The Pesticides Safety Directorate has provided technical assistance to Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Uganda as part of the EC-funded Pesticides Initiative Programme, which covers the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific group of states. Activities include visits to assist the regulatory authorities with capacity building of their structures and processes, and delivering training programmes covering the technical, policy and procedural requirements of pesticides regulation.

Flowers: Imports

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions his Department has had on the involvement of UK companies in the import or production of flowers produced overseas using chemicals banned in the EU; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: There have been no discussions on this issue with my Department.

Freedom of Information

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  whether his Department proposes to amend the Environmental Information regulations analogously to its proposed amendments to Freedom of Information provisions;
	(2)  what plans he has to amend the provisions for the calculation of fees and the fees-ceiling for requests made under the Environmental Information Regulations.

Barry Gardiner: There are no plans for changing the Regulations. The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 transpose the EU Directive 2003/4/EC on public access to environmental information into UK Law.
	The Environmental Information Regulations have no provision for the calculation of fees. They stipulate that any charge should not exceed an amount which a public authority is satisfied is a reasonable amount which reflects both the Aarhus Convention and the EU Directive from which they derive. However DEFRA will make changes to the guidance on the Environmental Information Regulations in the light of any changes to the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004 to help the general public and public authorities deal with the two distinct information access regimes.

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many homeowners have declined a Warm Front grant when the total cost proposed exceeded the grant maxima; what steps his Department takes to secure funding from other sources when such homeowners are asked to pay the excess; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: Since June 2005, all eligible Warm Front applicants received a minimum of energy advice and energy efficient light bulbs.
	However 2,133 householders declined a main heating measure when the grant maxima was exceeded.
	These 2,133 householders account for 4.8 per cent. of all cases that exceed the grant maxima.
	Of the 2,133 cases highlighted, 347 received an alternative heating measure within the grant maxima. This leaves 1,786 householders who did not receive a main heating measure.
	My Department is looking at various options to reduce, and potentially remove, the need for some customers to contribute towards Warm Front measures.

Inland Waterways: Repairs and Maintenance

Charlotte Atkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in which year British Waterways expects to clear its backlog of statutory maintenance work and to comply with its statutory duties; and whether this date has changed as a result of reductions in grant-in-aid during 2006-07.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 6 February 2007
	Substantial investment by Government has helped British Waterways eliminate its safety backlog and reduce its long-term maintenance arrears from £270 million (worth £398 million today) in 1996-97, to £97 million by end of March 2007.
	British Waterways had anticipated spending around £31 million in 2006-07 on its maintenance arrears programme. However following a reduction in its budget, the outturn expenditure is likely to be around £26 million. Taken as a proportion of annual spend on statutory maintenance, this amounts to around two months expenditure. I will be discussing British Waterway's plans for management of its arrears in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Internal Drainage Boards

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what his Department's policy is on the future of internal drainage boards;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the likely effects of his Department's report on the future workings of internal drainage boards.

Ian Pearson: The Government recognise Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) perform a valuable role in water level management at a local level and we see this continuing into the future.
	In August 2005, DEFRA engaged JBA Consulting to undertake an independent review of IDBs in England to assess how accountable, effective and efficient they are, so that they are ready to reflect modern approaches, including the portfolio approach to flood and coastal erosion risk management advocated in our making space for water strategy.
	We hope shortly to publish an implementation plan setting out a range of actions, some of which reflect existing IDB good practice such as strengthened asset and environmental management. These should help IDBs to remain fit for purpose in the 21(st) Century.

Landfill

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 28 November 2006,  Official Report, column 490W, on landfill, how much funding was provided via central Government grants to local authorities to compensate for landfill tax in the last year for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: The main source of funding for local authorities' waste management services is the Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services (EPCS) block of Government grant, distributed each year. The amount of grant awarded is based on a formula which takes into account each authority's population, social structure and other characteristics. It is for each local authority to decide what proportion of the block to invest in waste management services. The Government actively encourage local authorities to promote recycling and other sustainable waste management practices, in order to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and, therefore, cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
	In 2005-06, £220 million was allocated to local authorities in England for waste management projects, comprising £45 million from the Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund, £40 million from the Waste Performance and Efficiency Grant, £130 million via private finance initiatives and £5 million through the Household Incentives Pilot Scheme. An additional £16.2 million was awarded to local authorities over the two year period 2004-06 via the Waste and Resources Action Programme for local communications.

Office of Fair Trading

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's response to the Office of Fair Trading's report "Commercial use of public information".

Barry Gardiner: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs (Mr. McCartney) on 8 January 2007,  Official Report, column 315W.

Oil and Pipeline Agency

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the salary was of the Chief Executive of the Oil and Pipeline Agency  (a) at its launch and  (b) in May 1997; and what the salary will be of the new incumbent on taking up his post.

Adam Ingram: I have been asked to reply.
	At the launch of the Oil and Pipeline Agency in 1986 there was not a post of chief executive. The salary of the general manager was £34,430 plus £1,320 lunch allowance. In 1997 the salary of the general manager was £73,700 plus £1,060 lunch allowance.
	The post of chief executive currently being advertised has a salary range of £100,000 to £120,000 plus a percentage bonus based on key deliverables and a lunch allowance of £1,320. A new incumbent has not yet been selected and his/her exact starting salary, including bonus, will depend on track record and experience.

Pollution Control

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how much his Department paid to the Centre for Sustainable Energy to commission research on individual carbon allowances; and what funding is planned;
	(2)  what plans he has for individual carbon limits for individuals; how he envisages such carbon limits would be enforced; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  if he will place in the Library a copy of the feasibility study carried out by the Centre for Sustainable Energy for his Department into individual carbon allowances;
	(4)  if he will place in the Library a copy of the report on domestic tradable quotas submitted to the Climate Change Programme Review.

Ian Pearson: The Government are looking into the feasibility of tradable personal carbon allowances. This is just one of a number of potential long term options being explored for making individuals better informed about, and involved in, tackling climate change.
	In August 2006, DEFRA provided funding of £5,422.50 (plus VAT) to the Centre for Sustainable Energy to undertake an initial scoping study into the concept of individual carbon trading.
	This study concludes that a personal carbon allowance and trading system has the potential to achieve emissions savings in a fairer way than carbon taxes. The Government are now developing a work programme which should provide the information to lead to a decision on whether or not a personal carbon allowance is a realistic and workable policy option. Any future research funding will be considered as part of this work programme.
	I have arranged for copies of the Centre for Sustainable Energy report, "A Rough Guide to Individual Carbon Trading: The ideas, the issues and the next steps", and the December 2005, Tyndall Centre report, "Domestic Tradable Quotas: A policy instrument for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy use", to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Pollution Control: Local Authorities

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the cost of emissions trading to local authorities; and whether this cost will be funded under the New Burdens principle.

Ian Pearson: A full regulatory impact assessment would be carried out prior to any new mandatory emissions trading scheme being established. The Government look at all pressures on local government, and the extent to which they can be managed, when setting the overall level of funding for local authorities.

Potatoes

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the long-term stability of the variety of the GM blight resistant potato approved for field trials.

Ian Pearson: On the basis of advice from its Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE), DEFRA has not required BASF, the applicant for the trials, to provide data on the long-term stability of these lines of GM blight resistant potato. This is because the stability of the GM potatoes does not pose any identifiable risk to the environment within the context of this research trial.

Poultry

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that all owners of poultry are registered, including those with a stock of 50 or less.

Ben Bradshaw: As of 7 February 2007, the GB Poultry Register held details of 23,871 premises. A total of 257, 651,184 birds have been registered.
	Owners of a commercial poultry premises with 50 or more birds are required by law to register their holding, even if the premises is only stocked with 50 or more birds for part of the year. DEFRA, and poultry keeping organisations, continue to remind such keepers that there is a requirement to register.
	Although premises with fewer than 50 birds are not required by law to register, it is possible for owners of smaller flocks to register on a voluntary basis. My Department actively encourages them to do so through a number of routes including local animal health offices and various promotional materials.

Poultry: Disease Control

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government's  (a) immediate and  (b) long-term plans are to improve biosecurity on poultry farms.

Ben Bradshaw: All bird keepers, within the protection, surveillance and restricted zones have received information packs and texts reminding them to be vigilant for signs of disease and the need to house or isolate their birds to prevent contact with the wild bird population.
	DEFRA has issued extensive guidance to bird keepers on biosecurity measures to protect their birds from avian influenza; this is also available on the DEFRA website. It is crucial that poultry keepers follow these measures. Poultry owners should plan how they will manage any free range birds if there is a need to isolate them from wild birds. Owners need to be vigilant and monitor their birds frequently.
	DEFRA is running advertising campaigns in trade and specialist publications to raise awareness of biosecurity and avian influenza.
	The epidemiological investigation into the source of infection in Suffolk is still ongoing. We will review the findings when they are available and make any necessary revisions to our biosecurity advice.

Recycling: Equipment

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action his Department is taking to promote the recycling of obsolete technological equipment.

Ben Bradshaw: DEFRA is working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on the implementation of the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. From July this year, the directive makes producers financially responsible for the treatment and recycling of electronic equipment when it becomes waste. In particular, DEFRA has made the regulations transposing the treatment and permitting requirements of the directive, which are intended to improve the environmental performance of operators directly involved in the treatment of WEEE.
	DEFRA has also worked with the DTI on the implementation of the EU RoHS (Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment) Directive. Since 1 July 2006, the RoHS regulations have restricted the use of six substances in the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment, meaning that they will be easier to treat and recycle when they become waste.

Rural Areas

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many of the  (a) recommendations and  (b) targets in the 2000 Rural White Paper (i) have yet to be met and (ii) are no longer being pursued.

Barry Gardiner: "Our Countryside: The Future", often referred to as the Rural White Paper, did not include a specific set of targets for the purposes of monitoring its delivery. Nor did it include a specific set of recommendations. We have, however, monitored progress against more than 260 separate commitments. Of these, 235 have been delivered, 19 have been overtaken by other developments and work on a further six remains to be completed.

Seals: EU Action

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the UK's policy is on the proposed ban on Canadian seal products currently before the EU.

Ben Bradshaw: My right hon. Friend, Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs (Mr. McCartney), made an announcement by ministerial statement on 8 February 2007,  Official Report, column 43WS, on this issue.

Seas and Oceans: Environment Protection

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he plans to publish a White Paper on the proposed Marine Bill.

Ben Bradshaw: DEFRA plans to publish a white paper on the proposed Marine Bill in March 2007.

Stewardship

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of farms he estimates are likely to be included in the higher level stewardship scheme.

Barry Gardiner: We estimate that approximately 10 per cent. of agricultural land in England could enter the HLS scheme. HLS is targeted at high value nature sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and other areas which could benefit from a high level of bio-diversity management. By the end of January there were 1,151 agreements covering 79,225 hectares in the scheme.

Swans

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of whooper swans that settle in England each year; where they stay; whether any of the sites are potentially affected by road schemes; and if he will make a statement on the protections afforded to the swans.

Barry Gardiner: Whooper swan numbers in the United Kingdom are counted each year as part of the Wetland Bird Survey organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The latest counts, covering winter 2003-04, found a peak of 7,558 birds in January 2004. The wintering population in the UK has increased substantially during the past 20 years.
	Using the most recent five year averages, three sites in England support internationally important numbers of whooper swans (210 birds or more) and five sites support nationally important numbers (57 birds or more). These are listed in the following table:
	
		
			  Internationally important sites  Nationally important sites 
			 Ouse washes, Cambridgeshire/Norfolk Nene Washes, Cambridgeshire 
			 Martin Mere and the Ribble Estuary, Lancashire Caistron Quarry, Northumberland 
			 The Solway Estuary, Cumbria Lower Derwent Ings, North and East Yorkshire 
			  Warkworth Lane Ponds, Northumberland 
			  Lindisfarne, Northumberland 
		
	
	Whooper swans are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), and are listed in Annexe 1 of the EC wild birds directive ("the birds directive") which requires that special measures are taken to conserve their habitats. Seven sites in England have been designated as special protection areas under the birds directive for their wintering whooper swan populations.
	I am not aware of any road schemes that pose a threat to whooper swans at the sites which support significant concentrations of birds in England.

Waste Disposal

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance the Audit Commission has published since 1997 on municipal waste collection.

Ben Bradshaw: I am not aware of any specific guidance published on municipal waste collection by the Audit Commission. However, the Audit Commission has published a number of guidance documents containing advice to local councils on how they can meet their statutory requirements with regards to waste by improving their waste management and adopting best practice. The Audit Commission also examines the performance of councils and the services they provide, including waste, through the Comprehensive Performance Assessment, and provides recommendations for improvement.

Waste Disposal

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance  (a) his Department and its agencies and  (b) the Waste Resources Action Programme have provided to local authorities on the use of CCTV to monitor (i) recycling and (ii) municipal waste disposal.

Ben Bradshaw: Local authorities are responsible for planning and monitoring their closed circuit television (CCTV) systems and there has been no guidance issued by DEFRA to encourage their use at municipal waste facilities or to monitor recycling.
	In one of their published guidance documents, "Management of green waste at civic amenity sites: a good practice guide", the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) referred to CCTV as one of a number of approaches available to local authorities to improve security at civic amenity sites. This was particularly in relation to monitoring potential trade waste abuse and fly-tipping at sites. WRAP does not, however, make any specific recommendation regarding its use and has not provided any specific guidance on the installation and use of CCTV by local authorities in relation to recycling and municipal waste disposal.

Waste Disposal

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  whether a Regulatory Impact Assessment has been published for the implementation of EU Directive 2006/012/EC;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the implications of EU Directive 2006/012/EC for municipal waste collection and disposal; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: As it had been amended a number of times since its original adoption, the European Commission decided to clarify the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) by drawing up a 'codification' of its provisions. A measure of this kind is known in the UK as the 'consolidation' of legislation. Directive 75/442/EEC (as amended) was therefore repealed with effect from 17 May 2006 and the WFD's provisions are now contained in Directive 2006/12/EC.
	The codification of the WFD as Directive 2006/12/EC did not change existing EU legislation, so a Regulatory Impact Assessment was not required. The codification also has no implications for municipal waste collection and disposal.
	On 21 December 2005, the European Commission published its Waste Thematic Strategy and proposals to revise the WFD. I made a written ministerial statement on 12 October 2006,  Official Report, column 34WS, announcing the publication of a UK-wide consultation, including a Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment, on the proposed revision of the WFD. Copies of the consultation paper were placed in the Libraries of the House and on the DEFRA website. The consultation closed on 5 January 2007. Responses are now being considered and will be taken into account in the ongoing negotiations.

Waste Disposal

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  whether his Department maintains a list of councils which have moved to alternate weekly collection of rubbish;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the number of councils which have introduced alternate weekly waste collections which have consequently cut council tax.

Ben Bradshaw: The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) is aware of a number of local authorities (LAs) providing alternate weekly collection of household waste and provides support and guidance to these LAs on best practice in operating such a service.
	However, as this area is subject to rapid change, WRAP cannot guarantee that information it holds on LAs operating an alternate weekly collection service is up to date.
	No estimate has been made of the number of councils which have introduced alternate weekly collections and consequently cut council tax.

Waste Disposal

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research his Department has undertaken on the relative contribution of  (a) the recycling process and  (b) landfill to climate change emissions.

Ben Bradshaw: A study published in May 2006 by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), on the environmental benefits of recycling, estimated that recycling certain key materials saves between 10 million to 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents per year, compared to applying the current mix of landfill and incineration with energy recovery. This is the equivalent of taking around 3.5 million cars off UK roads for one year.
	Another recent study carried out for DEFRA, to be published shortly, examined the lifecycle carbon impacts of principal waste streams. This is providing further information on the relative contributions of various waste management processes to climate change emissions. It is also informing the Government's revised Waste Strategy, which we intend to publish in the spring.
	Recycling and composting biodegradable waste that would otherwise go to landfill also helps reduce landfill methane emissions, which account for 3 per cent. of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions and is 20 times more potent than CO2. The recycling of all materials saves energy, including through the reduced need for raw material extraction.

Water Bills

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 4 December 2006,  Official Report, column 57W, on water bills, what the average domestic water bill including sewerage in England and Wales was in actual prices in each year since 1996-97.

Ian Pearson: Ofwat is the economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales and sets price limits for each water company at price reviews.
	The following table sets out the average household bills for water and sewerage customers in England and Wales since 1996-97 in prices of the day. Inflation between 1996-97 and 2006-07 was 29 per cent. The increase in average household bills was 33 per cent. including inflation over this period.
	Individual bills can be more or less than the average. More information can be found in Ofwat's "Water and sewerage charges 2006-07 report".
	
		
			  Average household bills for water and sewerage in prices of the day 
			  £ 
			 1996-97 221 
			 1997-98 228 
			 1998-99 237 
			 1999-2000 247 
			 2000-01 220 
			 2001-02 225 
			 2002-03 227 
			 2003-04 236 
			 2004-05 249 
			 2005-06 279 
			 2006-07 294 
			  Note: Bills for 2005-06 and 2006-07 are estimates based on provisional and forecast data respectively provided by each company, for the year ending 31 March.

Water Bills

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average change in domestic water bills in England was in each year since 1997.

Ian Pearson: Ofwat is the economic regulator for water and sewerage services in England and Wales and sets price limits for each water company at price reviews. The following table sets out average household bills for water and sewerage in each year since 1997 in real terms and the percentage change in real terms. Figures are in 2006-07 prices.
	Individual bills can be more or less than the average. More information can be found in Ofwat's "Water and sewerage charges 2006-07 report".
	
		
			   Average household bills in 2006-07 prices (£)  Percentage change 
			 1997-98 286 0.5 
			 1998-99 288 0.5 
			 1999-2000 291 1.3 
			 2000-01 256 -12.3 
			 2001-02 253 -0.9 
			 2002-03 254 0.1 
			 2003-04 256 1.0 
			 2004-05 263 2.8 
			 2005-06 286 8.4 
			 2006-07 294 3.0 
		
	
	The bills for 2005-06 and 2006-07 are estimates based respectively on provisional and forecast data supplied by companies for the year ending 31 March.

Water: Standards

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the quality standards of tap water.

Ian Pearson: Audits and inspections of water companies in England and Wales, and enforcement action to ensure compliance with the Water Quality Regulations—including investigation of customer complaints and incidents which affect drinking water supplies—is dealt with by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. The inspectorate was formed in 1990 to provide independent reassurance that public water supplies in England and Wales are safe and drinking water quality is acceptable to consumers.
	Water companies have a duty to collect and test samples for each of the substances and organisms in the regulations, and must make the results of this testing available to their customers. The inspectorate's role is to carry out independent checks to ensure that this testing is being performed to a high standard of quality control.
	The original EU drinking water standards were implemented in England and Wales in 1989. Compliance is measured by results of tests on samples from consumers' taps. Compliance figures for each year from 1992 to 2003 are in the following table.
	
		
			   Compliance (percentage) 
			 1992 98.65 
			 1993 98.95 
			 1994 99.28 
			 1995 99.45 
			 1996 99.70 
			 1997 99.75 
			 1998 99.78 
			 1999 99.82 
			 2000 99.83 
			 2001 99.86 
			 2002 99.87 
			 2003 99.88 
		
	
	New EU drinking water standards came into force from the end of 2003. Compliance with the new standards in England and Wales was 99.94 per cent. in 2004 and 99.96 per cent. in 2005.

Watercourses

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that changes in the available budget of his Department and its associated public bodies do not adversely affect watercourse drainage and maintenance, especially in high value agricultural areas.

Ian Pearson: DEFRA has overall policy responsibility for flood risk management in England, funds most of the Environment Agency (EA)'s flood related work and grant aids individual capital improvement projects undertaken by local authorities and internal drainage boards. The programme to manage risk is driven by these operating authorities. DEFRA does not carry out works, nor direct the authorities on which specific projects to undertake.
	The only budget reduction for flood risk management has been the reduction in the DEFRA-funded EA resource budget for 2006-07 from £238 million to £223 million. The EA capital budget (which delivers new and improved defences and flood warning systems) of £190 million was not affected, nor were the capital budgets for the other authorities.
	The EA has maintained investment levels in 2006-07 in non-recurring maintenance—which improves the condition of defences—but has had to reduce the scale of routine maintenance in some regions. I understand the EA has managed the impact of the reduction so as to minimise the impact on flood risks.
	The EA's allocation of DEFRA grant in aid for flood risk management in 2007-08 will be £435.7 million. This is an increase compared to the 2006-07 original allocation and more than restores the in-year reduction in 2006-07.

Whaling

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with representatives of other Governments on whaling since the last meeting of the International Whaling Commission; when he next plans to discuss whaling with foreign counterparts; and with whom.

Ben Bradshaw: I have raised the issue of whaling at every appropriate opportunity with members of the International Whaling Commission (IWC).
	In support of the UK's position I also raised the issue of IWC membership at a recent meeting of EU Environment Ministers in Luxembourg and sent copies of our recent publication "Protecting Whales—A Global Responsibility" to 57 countries, both anti and pro-whaling, encouraging them to join the effort to protect these species.
	DEFRA officials also ensure that Foreign and Commonwealth Office posts in the relevant capitals are briefed, and engage in discussion with their counterparts on whaling at every appropriate opportunity. This ensures that these countries are in no doubt of the importance that the UK attaches to whale conservation.
	The UK will continue to make clear our objections to those countries that support whaling, both before and during the next annual meeting of the IWC in Alaska in May.

Whaling

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with  (a) Ministers,  (b) officials in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and  (c) Cabinet colleagues on whaling over the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Since the last annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), I have written to colleagues in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development and the Department of Trade and Industry encouraging them to lobby countries to join the IWC and also to stress to those countries that continue to support whaling the importance the UK attaches to whale conservation.
	I asked that they particularly point to the significant economic and social benefits arising from both whale conservation and the whale-watching industry and to express the view that the decision to resume or support the resumption of commercial whaling could seriously undermine those benefits.
	The Secretary of State has also had correspondence with the Prime Minister on this matter, resulting in the latter's agreeing to sign a foreword to the DEFRA leaflet "Protecting Whales—A Global Responsibility" published recently.

Whaling

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  when he next intends to discuss the international moratorium on whaling with representatives of the Governments of  (a) Dominica,  (b) Gabon,  (c) Gambia,  (d) Grenada,  (e) Kiribati,  (f) Mali,  (g) the Marshall Islands,  (h) Mauritania,  (i) Mongolia,  (j) Morocco,  (k) Nauru,  (l) Nicaragua,  (m) Norway,  (n) Palau,  (o) the Russian Federation,  (p) St Kitts and Nevis,  (q) St Lucia,  (r) St Vincent and the Grenadines,  (s) Senegal,  (t) the Solomon Islands,  (u) Suriname,  (v) Togo,  (w) Tuvalu,  (x) Korea,  (y) Iceland and  (z) Guinea;
	(2)  when he next plans to discuss the international moratorium on whaling with  (a) his Japanese counterpart and  (b) representatives of the governments of (i) Antigua and Barbuda, (ii) Benin, (iii) Cambodia, (iv) Cameroon, (v) Côte d'Ivoire and (vi) Denmark.

Ben Bradshaw: I have raised the issue of whaling at every appropriate opportunity with pro-whaling members of the IWC. In support of the UK's position I also raised the issue of IWC membership at a recent meeting of EU Environment Ministers in Luxembourg and sent copies of our recent publication "Protecting Whales—A Global Responsibility" to 57 countries, both anti and pro-whaling, encouraging them to join the effort to protect these species.
	DEFRA officials also ensure that Foreign and Commonwealth Office posts in the relevant capitals are briefed, and engage in discussion with their counterparts on whaling at every appropriate opportunity. This ensures that these countries are in no doubt of the importance that the UK attaches to whale conservation.
	The UK will continue to make clear our objections to those countries that support whaling, both before and during the next annual meeting of the IWC in Alaska in May.

Wind Power

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what  (a) public and  (b) other bodies must (i) be consulted and (ii) give their approval before building an offshore wind farm; what the average approval and consultation times are; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department shares the responsibility, with DTI and DFT, for the PSA target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels and move towards a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 1990 levels by 2010.
	To achieve these targets, an increasing amount of electricity will need to be supplied from renewable sources. Both DEFRA and DTI are responsible for issuing the relevant statutory licences for offshore wind farms - DEFRA in relation to construction in tidal waters and at sea and DTI in relation to energy generation.
	Applications and their accompanying environmental impact assessments are subject to consultation with a range of public and non-public bodies (see following table). This list is not a definitive one—names can be removed or added to the list and wind farm developers are also required to issue public notices in connection with each application.
	DEFRA and DTI work hard to resolve concerns raised by statutory consultees before licences are granted.
	The standard consultation period is eight weeks. However, issues raised during this time are often complex and can take several months to resolve. Currently, the approval process takes a minimum of 12 months.
	We are planning to use the marine Bill to simplify the regulation of offshore wind developments.
	
		
			  Offshore wind farms—DTI/Defra licence consultee list 
			  Natural England  Statutory consultee 
			 Countryside Council for Wales (where appropriate) Statutory consultee 
			 Environment Agency — 
			   
			 Joint Nature Conservation Committee (where appropriate) Statutory consultee 
			 English Heritage — 
			 Cadw (where appropriate) — 
			   
			 Maritime and Coastguard Agency Statutory consultee 
			 Trinity House Lighthouse Services — 
			 Chamber of Shipping — 
			 Royal Yachting Association — 
			 Local port authority (if appropriate) — 
			 National Federation of Fishermens' Organisations — 
			 Local Sea Fisheries Committee — 
			 British Marine Aggregate Producers Association — 
			   
			 Welsh Assembly Government (where appropriate) — 
			 Ministry of Defence — 
			 Department for Transport — 
			   
			 Ofcom — 
			 Civil Aviation Authority — 
			 National Air Traffic Service — 
			 Local airport (if appropriate) — 
			   
			 Local planning authorities (as appropriate) — 
			   
			 Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (scientific advisers to Defra) —

Wood Fibre

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent meetings he has held with stakeholders to discuss the forecast increase in demand for wood fibre by the renewable energy industry; and what action he plans to take in response to the situation.

Barry Gardiner: Forestry Commission England intends to publish a woodfuel strategy which will address the issue of increasing woodfuel available from existing woodlands. In Scotland the Scottish Executive is about to publish its Biomass Action Plan and this will lay out its proposals for developing the bioenergy sector in Scotland. Long-term availability of biomass will also be considered in the UK Biomass Strategy which the Government intend to publish before May 2007.
	Officials from DEFRA and the Forestry Commission hold regular discussions with those involved with feedstock procurement for these projects. The Secretary of State has not held any recent meetings to discuss demand for wood fibre specifically. However, I have discussed woodfuel with both the England Forest Industry Partnership and the industry body, CONFOR (Confederation of Forest Industries).

DEFENCE

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what operational requirements have affected the decision not to send Bell Griffin HAR2 helicopters from Cyprus to Afghanistan.

Adam Ingram: The Bell Griffin HAR2 helicopter is not being sent to Afghanistan because there is no requirement for them.

Agency Personnel: Scotland

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much of its personnel budget for 2005-06 the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory spent in Scotland in  (a) monetary terms and  (b) as a percentage of the total personnel budget; how much was spent for each category in 2004-05; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: As part of the ongoing Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) site rationalisation plan all Dstl jobs were relocated from Glasgow and Dunfermline to Dstl Porton Down by 31 March 2004. However, the redundancy/early retirement costs were paid in the financial year of 2004-05.
	Currently, Dstl only has two members of staff based in Scotland, both of whom are on secondment to the MOD. In the financial years 2004-05 and 2005-06 Dstl spent £3,500 of its personnel budget in Scotland, this was 0.09 per cent. of the total Dstl personnel budget. This funding was spent on the participation of Dstl in recruitment fairs.

Armed Forces: Body Armour

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sets of body armour have been issued to British troops and then recalled for the purpose of distribution to other personnel in the last five years.

Adam Ingram: Body armour is not centrally recalled for the purpose of redistribution.
	Details of the body armour supplied in the last five years are shown in the table:
	
		
			  Type  Sets  Component Parts 
			 Enhanced Combat Body Armour (ECBA) — 704,205 
			 Kestrel Body Armour 4,600 — 
			 Osprey Body Armour 15,500 — 
			  Notes:  1. ECBA component parts comprise fillers, plates, desert covers, woodland covers, civilian blue covers and UN blue covers.  2. Over the last five years approximately 168,500 ECBA ballistic plates have been supplied. These are generally issued at a rate of two plates each, which equates to approximately 84,250 individuals. However there are occasions where individual plates may be issued, such as replacements for damaged plates, and some will be held as stock. 
		
	
	It is policy that all personnel deploying on operations are issued with their personnel set of ECBA. In addition to this standard issue capability, two additional variants of body armour have been developed to meet different operational requirements known as Kestrel Osprey body armour. These different types of body armour allow force commanders to choose the appropriate balance between protection and mobility depending on the specific operational circumstances, threats and missions. There are enough sets of all types of body armour in Iraq and Afghanistan to supply all those that need them.
	In the early stages of Telic, there was an acknowledged initial shortfall of ECBA in theatre. The allocation of ECBA was, therefore, decided locally by commanders on the ground, based on role: dismounted close combat soldiers, primarily infantry, were given the highest priority, followed by soldiers mounted in unarmoured vehicles, mounted armoured soldiers considered the lowest risk.

Armed Forces: Casualty Reporting

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 8 January 2007,  Official Report, column 78W, on armed forces casualty reporting, when the casualty information for Afghanistan prior to 2006 will be reconciled.

Derek Twigg: We intend to provide further information on casualties in Afghanistan prior to 2006 on the MOD website in March of this year. Our initial priority is to publish information for seriously injured (SI) and very seriously injured (VSI) casualties, and we intend to release further information in due course. I will write to the hon. Member when this exercise has been completed and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Armed Forces: Children

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to base the contribution from parents of children receiving boarding school allowances on salaries rather than being 10 per cent. of earnings.

Derek Twigg: Currently, we have no plans to base the parental contribution for continuity of education allowance on the salaries of service personnel. I should also point out the contribution is not based on a service person's earnings.
	We recognise that service parents may find it difficult to maintain the continuity of their children's education, due to the nature of their employment and the unique demands of military life. It is for this reason that there are various educational allowances available to eligible service personnel to help meet some of the costs of ensuring continuity of their children's education. Continuity of education for their children would not otherwise be possible in the state maintained day school sector if these children accompanied their parents to postings in both the UK and overseas. However, the Ministry of Defence does not reimburse the full cost of school fees and parents are required to pay a minimum 10 per cent. parental contribution for each child when they claim a service education allowance. Also, when assessing each claim, any grant or scholarship made by the school, official benefactors, local education authorities or other public bodies, and any discounts offered to the service parent by the school, is deducted from the fees before the 10 per cent. minimum parental contribution is calculated. It is a matter for the service parent to decide which state or private sector boarding school they wish their children to attend. In doing so, service parents will consider the full cost of their child's education, a significant part of which will be schools fees, for which all parents must pay a minimum 10 per cent.

Armed Forces: Children

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what percentage of occasions the time taken for the transfer of student records between UK schools and service children's education schools exceeded 15 days in each year in the last three years.

Derek Twigg: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However in response to the HCDC—House of Commons Defence Committee report on the Education of Service Children, the Government recently acknowledged the Committee's concerns that service children are being disadvantaged when they move school because some schools fail to transfer the pupils' records on time. The Government will continue to do all that they can to explain and publicise the 15-day transfer rule to all schools to ensure that they meet this target and will continue to use Teachernet, Schoolsweb and Spectrum to do this.

Armed Forces: Children

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the percentage of pupils achieving at least five GCSE grades A* to C was in each service children's education secondary school in each of the last five years.

Derek Twigg: The percentage of pupils achieving at least five GCSE grades A* to C in each service children's education secondary school in each of the last five years was:
	
		
			   2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 St. John's School, Cyprus 54 57 62 74 59 
			 King Richard School, Cyprus 54 58 69 70 60 
			 Gloucester School, Germany 15 51 41 38 50 
			 King's School, Germany 48 57 59 51 50 
			 Prince Rupert School, Germany 71 60 60 64 53 
			 Windsor School, Germany 75 75 75 73 65

Armed Forces: Children

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the mobility index is of each service children's education  (a) primary and  (b) secondary school.

Derek Twigg: The mobility index for each Service Children's Education primary school, for the academic year 2005-06 was as follows:
	
		
			   Percentage 
			 AFNORTH International School 99 
			 Akrotiri School 79 
			 Andrew Humphrey School 89 
			 Ayios Nikolaos School 93 
			 BFS Naples 97 
			 Bielefeld School 68 
			 Bishopspark School 70 
			 Blakenhagen School 90 
			 Bruggen School 75 
			 Derby School 98 
			 Dhekelia School 131 
			 Episkopi School 107 
			 Haig School 71 
			 Heide School 59 
			 Hornbull School 121 
			 John Buchan School 54 
			 Lister School 83 
			 Marlborough School 85 
			 Montgomery School 55 
			 Mountbatten School 45 
			 Oxford School 62 
			 Robert Browning School 67 
			 SHAPE International School 50 
			 Shackleton School 58 
			 Sir John Mogg School 66 
			 Slim School 29 
			 St. Andrew's School 56 
			 St. Christopher's School 76 
			 St. David's School 90 
			 St. George's School 61 
			 St. Patrick's School 80 
			 Toucan School 120 
			 Tower School 60 
			 Wellington School 110 
			 Weser School 74 
			 William Wordsworth School 73 
		
	
	Mobility index statistics for SCE secondary schools are not held centrally. I will write separately to the hon. Member once this information is available and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Armed Forces: Deployment

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the  (a) location and  (b) total number of personnel was for each current operational deployment since 1997.

Adam Ingram: The following table shows the number of service personnel deployed on operations by operation at 4 January 2006 and 1 January 2007.
	Due to the manual nature of the data collection, comparable reliable figures are not available prior to December 2005 when a review of the data collation process was undertaken.
	Data on the precise locations of personnel on current operational deployments could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Number of personnel deployed 
			  Operation  January 2006  January 2007 
			 Total 9,980 13,660 
			  Of which:   
			 Telic 8,030 7,020 
			 Herrick 840 5,700 
			 Oculus 780 630 
			 UN 320 290

Armed Forces: Divorce

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the divorce rate was for personnel serving in the  (a) Army,  (b) Navy and  (c) RAF for each year since 1997.

Derek Twigg: The following table shows annual divorce rates for Army and RAF personnel for each year since 1997. Naval Service data is not available as the Naval Service groups "separated", "divorced" and "widowed" together.
	Figures are for UK Regular Forces, and therefore exclude Gurkhas, Full-Time Reserve Service personnel, the Home Service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment and mobilised reservists. Figures are for trained and untrained personnel excluding Officer Designates.
	Rates are calculated as a percentage of the average married strength during the calendar years.
	The term "divorce" includes "decree absolute" and "marriage annulled". It excludes "decree nisi" and individuals who are separated.
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   Army( 1)  RAF 
			   Officers  Other ranks  Officers  Other ranks 
			 1997 (2)— (2)— (2)— (2)— 
			 1998 (2)— (2)— 1.0 1.8 
			 1999 0.9 2.3 0.9 1.8 
			 2000 1.1 2.5 1.4 1.9 
			 2001 0.9 2.5 1.5 1.9 
			 2002 1.4 2.9 1.3 2.0 
			 2003 1.1 2.7 1.1 1.8 
			 2004 1.0 2.7 1.2 2.0 
			 2005 1.1 2.4 1.5 1.8 
			 2006(3) 1.1 2.1 (2)— (2)— 
			 (1) For the years 1999, 2000 and 2001, annulments are excluded from the calculations for divorce rates, as the information was not available; however the remaining years do include annulments in their calculation.  (2 )Not available. (3) Figures for 2006 are for the most recently available 12 months which cover the period up to 1 December 2006.   Source:  DASA (Tri-Service)

Armed Forces: Elections

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to help servicemen on operations overseas to comply with the Electoral Administration Act 2006 by providing a signature and date of birth within 21 days of it being requested; what recent assessment he has made of levels of voting eligibility in the armed services; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 8 February 2007
	We are ensuring that Service personnel, whether serving in the UK or on operations overseas, are made aware within their units of the requirement to provide personal identifiers, if they wish to retain their option to vote as an absent voter. If they have not received a request to provide identifiers by 21 February 2007, we have instructed them to contact their local electoral authority. In addition, personnel serving abroad can return identifiers through official mail channels at no personal cost.
	We conducted a survey in December 2005 to determine the levels of voting eligibility in the armed forces, the results of which were published in the Library of the House. This survey was repeated in December 2006 and we expect to receive the results within the next two months.

Armed Forces: Housing

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many units of single living accommodation in  (a) Scotland,  (b) northern and central England,  (c) south east England,  (d) south west England and  (e) Greater London have been classified at (i) Standard 1, (ii) Standard 2, (iii) Standard 3 and (iv) Standard 4.

Derek Twigg: The required information is not held in the format requested and it will take a little more time to establish whether an answer can be provided without incurring disproportionate cost. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Armed Forces: Housing

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of  (a) single living accommodation and  (b) service families accommodation is occupied by (i) Army, (ii) Navy and (iii) RAF personnel.

Derek Twigg: The following table contains the worldwide position (correct as at 1 April 2006).
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   Single living accommodation  Service families accommodation 
			 Royal Navy 15 10 
			 Army 50 55 
			 RAF 25 30 
			 Other 10 5

Armed Forces: Housing

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of  (a) Army,  (b) Navy and  (c) RAF personnel live in Ministry of Defence accommodation.

Derek Twigg: As at 1 April 2006, the following percentage of personnel in each service paying charges for Defence accommodation were:
	
		
			  Service  Number paying accommodation charges  Total strength of service  Percentage 
			 Royal Navy 14,627 39,390 37 
			 Army 78,902 107,703 73 
			 RAF 27,908 48,730 57 
		
	
	These figures exclude personnel who are entitled to occupy MOD accommodation but are not subject to accommodation charges.

Armed Forces: Housing

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel received the long service advance of pay for house purchase in each of the last five years; and what the budget for long service advance of pay is in 2006-07.

Derek Twigg: The number of service personnel who have received a long service advance of pay (LSAP) for house purchase in the last five years are set out as follows.
	
		
			  Financial year  Number of service personnel 
			 2001-02 2,670 
			 2002-03 2,645 
			 2003-04 2,072 
			 2004-05 1,906 
			 2005-06 2,096 
		
	
	As at 31 December 2006, 2,523 personnel had received LSAP during financial year 2006-07. The forecast LSAP expenditure for financial year 2006-07 is £26.36 million.

Armed Forces: Housing

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many void  (a) single living and  (b) service family units there are; and what proportion of the total stock they form.

Derek Twigg: The information requested is not held centrally and will take a little time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Armed Forces: Logistics

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the locations of the garrisons for the logistics brigades returning to the UK from Germany.

Adam Ingram: A study team is currently assessing a number of site options for the potential return of 102 Logistic Brigade from Gütersloh Garrison to the UK. A decision is not expected before summer 2007.

Armed Forces: Pollution Control

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration is given by  (a) his Department and  (b) the armed forces to their carbon footprint.

Derek Twigg: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the armed forces have taken steps to understand how our activities on the Defence estate contribute to our carbon footprint. Action is taking place to reduce our carbon emissions. This includes entering into a partnership agreement with the Carbon Trust, including at RAF Kinloss for example, to identify opportunities for reducing energy use; participation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme; and buying renewable energy.
	Like all central Government Departments, we are focusing on delivery of the targets on sustainable operations on the Government Estate (SOGE), including reducing carbon emissions; energy efficiency; and carbon neutrality on the Central Government Office Estate.
	The MOD also participates in the Government carbon offsetting fund by ensuring that flights by Ministers and Head Office civilian and service personnel, in non-operational posts, are carbon offset.
	From January 2006 the Department also began to collate data on carbon dioxide emissions from all fuel purchased by MOD and the armed forces and, where practicable, other greenhouse gas emissions.

Armed Forces: Recruitment

Peter Soulsby: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to increase recruitment into the armed forces from minority ethnic communities.

Derek Twigg: In addition to an extensive programme of general recruiting activity, all three Services have specialist ethnic minority recruiting and outreach teams which undertake many and varied initiatives aimed at encouraging more young people from our minority communities into joining the armed forces. For example:
	The Royal Navy's Diversity Recruiting and Awareness Team give presentations in schools and colleges, to community and faith leaders; organising and operating five-day Personal Development Courses; attending careers events; and attending cultural and religious festivals and events.
	The Army's Diversity Action Recruiting Team (DART) provides role models to young people from ethnic minorities at recruiting events throughout the country. Within DART there are Community Liaison Officers who engage and develop relationships with key figures within the ethnic minority communities in their respective regions. DART attends some 650-700 events each year.
	On 20 January, the RN's Diversity Action Team invited a group of young people from the Small Heath (predominantly Muslim) area of Birmingham to take part in an RN Introduction Day. The Team has been working with a sub branch of the UK Islamic Mission called the Urban Development Foundation-part of a five month EM recruiting drive focusing on the Small Heath and Handsworth area of the city.
	The Army's participation in Bid celebrations in Bradford and Nottingham and a visit to an East London Muslim community and Mosque.
	The RAF's work with the Pakistani community in Leeds.
	The armed forces have for the past three years sponsored an award at the annual Muslim News Awards and will again sponsor this year's awards.
	The RAF's Motivational Outreach Team is responsible for promoting the Service in major communities. Their work is augmented by Careers Liaison Officers, Community Careers Liaison Officers and a network of Youth Activity Liaison Officers across the UK. They participate in schools' careers conventions, festivals and melas and sporting events, visit youth organisations, and Air Training Corps Squadrons and Combined Cadet Force contingents, and arrange visits for EMs to RAF stations.

Armed Forces: Training

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what the key reasons were for his Department's decision to choose the Metrix consortium's bid for  (a) package 1 and  (b) package 2 for the Defence Training Review Rationalisation Programme; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what his Department's criteria were that determined the winning bidders for  (a) package 1 and  (b) package 2 of the Defence Training Review Rationalisation Programme; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: Following a detailed evaluation process for each of the DTR Packages, Metrix were chosen because their separate package 1 and 2 proposals were judged to offer the best technical and prospective value for money solutions to the Defence Training Review requirement for each of those packages. Their solution examined against 65 individual Requirements of Response, represented the most economically advantageous outcome, providing the best combination of technical score relating to the quality, deliverability and timeliness of their proposals, their suitability as a partner and price.

Armed Forces: Training

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals his Department is considering for the maintenance of a defence function for the training sites at Cosford and Blandford; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: The MOD estate is under continuous review to ensure that it is the right size and quality to support the delivery of Defence capability. Looking to the future both Cosford and Blandford are well placed as highly flexible Defence sites. The Department is looking at options to continue to make the best use of them post the defence training review by moving other units in. This will be subject to studies which will not conclude for some months.

Armed Forces: Training

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by how much the Metrix consortium's current proposals for  (a) package 1 and  (b) package 2 for the Defence Training Review Rationalisation Programme has exceeded the planned budget for the programme.

Derek Twigg: Metrix current proposal for Package 1 does not exceed the planned budget over the life of the project. It delivers significant savings against the planned levels of expenditure. The current proposal for Package 2 has been assessed as not affordable and this package is now being pursued with Metrix as part of a whole programme solution. Until this work is complete it is not possible to judge whether Package 2 can be delivered within the planned budget for the programme.

Armed Forces: Training

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel have died as a result of injuries sustained during training in each year from 2003 to 2006.

Derek Twigg: The number of UK regular service personnel who died as a result of injuries sustained during training in each year between 2003 and 2006 is given in the following table:
	
		
			   Number of deaths 
			 2003 6 
			 2004 14 
			 2005 11 
			 2006 (1)3 
			 (1) Data for 2006 are provisional.

Armed Forces: Training

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many training exercises have been cancelled in each year from 2003 to 2006; and what the reasons were for each cancellation.

Adam Ingram: During financial year 2003-04, some 350 training events featured on the Defence Exercise Programme (DXP) of which 151 (43 per cent). were cancelled. During financial year 2004-05, a total of 379 training events were scheduled of which 79 (20 per cent.) were cancelled. While specific reasons for cancellation are not available in many cases, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost, the programme was affected by competing operational priorities. Since that time, improved data capture has enabled a more detailed review of the DXP.
	During financial year 2005-06, a total of 533 training events were scheduled on the DXP of which 58 (10.8 per cent.) were cancelled. In detail, 30 exercises were cancelled due to operational commitments, 13 were removed as savings measures and 10 were cancelled by other nations. The remaining five events were cancelled in response to changing priorities or rescheduling.
	In financial year 2006-07, a total of 680 training events are scheduled in the DXP of which 60 (8.8 per cent.) have been, or will be, cancelled. In detail, 29 exercises have been cancelled due to operational commitments, five have been removed as savings measures and 15 were cancelled by other nations. The remaining 11 events have been cancelled in response to changing priorities or rescheduling.
	Details of the military exercises cancelled since 1 April 2005 are as follows.
	
		
			  Exercises cancelled in financial year 2005-06 
			  Exercise name  Location  Type  Reason for cancellation 
			 Catt 05 UK Land Operational priorities 
			 Bass Rock Canada Land Cancelled by lead nation 
			 Pathfinder Czech Republic Land Cancelled by mutual consent: operational commitments 
			 Lone Kestrel 05 Poland Air Cancelled by lead nation 
			 Gruflex 05 Spain Air Cancelled by lead nation 
			 Fwit 05 Norway Air Cancelled by lead nation 
			 Air Warrior 05-10 px USA Air Cancelled by lead nation 
			 Smart Search 05 USA Air Cancelled by lead nation 
			 Lucky Sentinel 05 Canada Air Cancelled by lead nation 
			 Lone Osprey 05 Ukraine Air Cancelled due insufficient time to resolve Ukrainian requirements 
			 JTP 05-5 UK Air Operational commitments 
			 Cross Check 05 Canada Air Operational commitments 
			 Baltops 05 Baltic Air Operational commitments 
			 Trident Door 05 Mediterranean Air Operational commitments 
			 Wycombe Warrior 05-07 day 1 UK Air Operational commitments 
			 Wycombe Warrior 05-07 day 2 UK Air Operational commitments 
			 Cygnet Gold France Land Cancelled due to MOU issues 
			 Nomad 05 UK Air Cancelled due to withdrawal of three nations 
			 Snow Leopard 06 Norway Air Operational priorities 
			 Air Cadre 06-1 Cyprus Joint Revised priorities. 
			 Flycatcher 05-2 UK Joint Revised priorities. 
			 Red Corvette 06 UK Joint Revised priorities. 
			 Fidae 06 Chile Air Operational commitments; 
			 1 Div CT5 ex Poland Land Operational commitments 
			 3 Div CT5 ex UK Land Operational commitments 
			 Czech Pineapple Czech Republic Land Operational commitments 
			 Eagles Resolve UK Land Operational commitments 
			 Fingals Cave Canada Land Operational commitments 
			 Iron Anvil 05 Canada Air Operational commitments 
			 Joint Falcon 06 UK Air Operational commitments 
			 Kimmons Post Cyprus Land Operational commitments 
			 Kleiber France Land Operational commitments 
			 Medoc UK Land Operational commitments 
			 Quicksand 05 Africa Joint Operational commitments 
			 Snow Chute 06 Norway Air Operational commitments 
			 Swordfish 05 Mediterranean Air Operational commitments 
			 Templar Forge 05-1 Cyprus Air Operational commitments 
			 Templar Forge 05-2 Cyprus Air Operational commitments 
			 Templar Forge 05-3 Cyprus Air Operational commitments 
			 Aswex 05 UK Air Operational commitments 
			 Eagles Resolve—air UK Air Operational commitments 
			 Lemon Peel 05-2 UK Joint Operational commitments 
			 Target Flame 05-3 Cyprus Air Operational priorities (OPEVAL) 
			 Initial Link 05 Bahrain Air Rescheduled 
			 Eagles Flight 06 UK Air Rescheduled as Eagles Eye 06 
			 Danex Denmark/North Sea Maritime Savings measure 
			 Druids Dance UK Land Savings measure 
			 Flotex Silver Norway Maritime Savings measure 
			 Lone Cheetah 05 France Air Savings measure 
			 Lone Civet 05 Europe General Air Savings measure 
			 Lone Eagle 05 Spain Air Savings measure 
			 Lone Egret 05 Slovakia Air Savings measure 
			 Lone Feat 05 Europe General Air Savings measure 
			 Lone Flap 05 Norway Air Savings measure 
			 Lone Kite 05 Europe General Air Savings measure 
			 Lone Knot 05 Europe General Air Savings measure 
			 Medicine Man BATUS Canada Land Savings measure 
			 Snow Goose 05-2 Norway Air Savings measure 
			 Anatolian Eagle 06 Europe Air Cancelled by host nation 
			 Dapex 06 Europe Air Cancelled by host nation 
			 Fingals Cave 06/07 Canada Land Cancelled by host nation 
			 Noble Avenger 06 Europe Air Cancelled by host nation 
			 Airlift Rodeo 06 North America Air Cancelled by lead nation 
			 Dragons Nest 06 Europe Air Cancelled by lead nation 
			 Lone Flap 06 Europe Air Cancelled by lead nation 
			 Triplex Flame 06.1 Europe Air Cancelled by lead nation 
			 Tunuk Warrior 06/07 Turkey Land Cancelled by lead nation 
			 Wycombe Warrior 09-06 days 1 and 2 United Kingdom Air Cancelled by NATO 
			 Cossack Steppe 06/07 Ukraine Land Cancelled due to insufficient time to resolve Ukrainian requirements. 
			 Express Three 06/07 (Russian Express 06) Russia Land Cancelled due to coordination issues with host nation 
			 Rainbow Serpent 06/07 Australia Land Ex reduced in scope due to Australian operational commitments 
			 1 ACC WTI 06 North America Air Operational commitments 
			 AATTC 06-1 North America Air Operational commitments 
			 Albert's Rapport 06-1 North America Air Operational commitments 
			 Albert's Rapport 06-2 North America Air Operational commitments 
			 Algonquin Rock 06-1 North America Air Operational commitments 
			 Assegai Eyes 06 United Kingdom Joint Operational commitments 
			 Barbary Air 06-2 Europe Air Operational commitments 
			 Blue Cypriot Cyprus Land Operational commitments 
			 Cockfight 2/06 UK Joint Operational commitments 
			 Combined Strength 06-1 Europe Air Operational commitments 
			 Czech Pineapple 06 Czech Rep Land Operational commitments 
			 Eagles Eye 06/07 UK Land Operational commitments 
			 Etam06 Europe Air Operational commitments 
			 Flying Rapport 06 North America Air Operational commitments 
			 Fwit 06 Europe Air Operational commitments 
			 Gaulish 1 - 06/07 France/UK Land Operational commitments 
			 Gaulish 2/06 Not Specified Land Operational commitments 
			 Gaulish 5—06/07 France/UK Land Operational commitments 
			 Global Gold 07/08 Kenya Land Operational commitments 
			 JRTC 06-1 North America Air Operational commitments 
			 JTP 2 - 06/07 UK Land Operational commitments 
			 Lone Foil Europe Air Operational commitments 
			 LRIF06-1 North America Air Operational commitments 
			 Maple Flag 39-3 North America Air Operational commitments 
			 Night Hawk 2/06 Denmark Joint Operational commitments 
			 Paper Chase 06/07 Germany Land Operational commitments 
			 Path Finder 06/07 Czech Rep Land Operational commitments 
			 Prairie Brave 06/07 Canada Land Operational commitments 
			 Readiness Challenge 06/07 USA Land Cancelled by Lead Nation 
			 Solenzara Air Ex 06 Europe Air Operational commitments 
			 Lone Knot 06 Europe Air Postponed by lead nation 
			 Aphrodite 06/07 Cyprus Land Revised priorities 
			 Cyprus Forum 06 Cyprus Joint Revised priorities 
			 Frozen Star 07 Norway Air Revised priorities 
			 Heavy Ferry 06/07 Germany Land Revised priorities 
			 Javelin 06/07 Nepal Land Revised priorities 
			 Log provider 06 United Kingdom Joint Revised priorities 
			 Lone Fin 07 Europe Air Revised priorities 
			 Snow Falcon 07-1 Europe Air Revised priorities 
			 Spontex 06-1 Europe Air Revised priorities 
			 Target Flame 06-3 Europe Air Revised priorities 
			 Wet Gap 06/07 Germany Land Revised priorities 
			 Grand Prix 1—06/07 Kenya Land Savings measure 
			 Grand Prix 3—06/07 Kenya Land Savings measure 
			 Jagged Flame 06-1 Europe Air Savings measure 
			 Lion Star 1—07/08 Cyprus Land Savings measure 
			 Rock Challenge USA Joint Savings measure

Armed Forces: Training

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many training exercises that were originally scheduled for 2007 have been cancelled.

Adam Ingram: Of the 547 training exercises recorded in the Defence Exercise Programme for financial year 2007-08, 40 (7.5 per cent.) have been cancelled.

Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Procurement

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the planning assumption date is for the future rapid effect system.

Adam Ingram: The in service date for the future rapid effect system (FRES) will not be taken until the main investment decision is taken.

Armoured Vehicles

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Cougar/Mastiff armoured vehicles were fully operational in  (a) Iraq and  (b) Afghanistan on 1 January 2007; and what his estimated timetable is for delivery of the remaining vehicles.

Adam Ingram: The first Mastiff vehicles were delivered to Iraq by 1 January 2007. For reasons of operational security I am not prepared to go into the detail of the delivery timetable and numbers of a new capability into an operational theatre, but on current plans the delivery of the remaining vehicles should be complete by summer 2007.

Army: Scotland

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total personnel  (a) inflow into and  (b) outflow from the Scottish infantry has been in each year since 1997.

Derek Twigg: The number of soldiers inflowing and outflowing from the Scottish Division of the Infantry during April 1997 to November 2006 is shown in the following table. Officer figures have been omitted because Officer Cadets are allocated an Arm/Service towards the end of their Commissioning Course at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).
	
		
			  Intake from civilian life and outflow from UK regular forces for the Scottish Division of the Infantry 
			   Soldier 
			  Financial year  Intake  Outflow 
			 1997-98 750 580 
			 1998-99 750 740 
			 1999-2000 720 750 
			 2000-01 630 590 
			 2001-02 650 600 
			 2002-03 640 600 
			 2003-04 650 630 
			 2004-05 470 600 
			 2005-06 440 570 
			 2006-07(1) 270 380 
			 (1 )1 April to 30 November 2006.  Notes:  1. The information is for soldiers only and therefore excludes officers.  2. The information is for intake and outflow of Scottish Division personnel in and out of the army and therefore excludes transfers in and out of the Division.  3. The outflow figures incorporate the net balance of long-term illegally absent personnel.  4. The intake figures are based on the individuals' Division on intake, some of whom may be redesignated during training to another Arm/Service.  5. The intake figures include re-enlistments and rejoined reservists.  6. UK Regular Forces includes nursing services and excludes full-time Reserve Service personnel, Gurkhas, the Home Service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment and mobilised reservists. It also includes trained and untrained personnel..  7. The date periods are for financial years except for financial year 2006-07.  8. The data have been rounded to the nearest 10. Numbers ending in '5' have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to avoid systematic bias.

Astute Class Submarines

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress his Department has made in agreeing a price for the future Astute class submarines; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: Negotiations on prices for Astute class submarines hulls 2 and 3 are concluding and will be subject to formal approval by the MOD and BAE Systems.

Christmas Travel

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 8 January 2007,  Official Report, column 323W, on Christmas travel, 
	(1)  if he will provide a breakdown of the 75 per cent. of flights between the UK and Afghanistan that were on time or delayed by less than three hours into those that were  (a) on time and  (b) delayed less than three hours;
	(2)  if he will provide a break down of the flights between Afghanistan and the UK that were on time or delayed by less than three hours into those that were  (a) on time and  (b) delayed less than three hours.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 5 February 2007
	All performance statistics relating to the Afghanistan air-bridge are collated and monitored in terms of 'arrival', rather than 'departure', times as this best reflects the service being provided to passengers. Any RAF transport flight that is rescheduled at any stage within 24 hours of its planned departure time is considered as a delay, but only if that delay is greater than one hour.
	Of the 75 per cent. of flights from the UK to Afghanistan that were on time or delayed by less than three hours, 69 per cent. were on time and 31 per cent. were delayed less than three hours.
	For the return leg, of the 66 per cent. of flights from Afghanistan to the UK that were on time or delayed by less than three hours, 76 per cent. were on time and 24 per cent. were delayed less than three hours.
	A flight is deemed to be on time if it is delayed by less than one hour.

Defence Activities: Scotland

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the levels of commercial investment in Scotland resulting from his Department's activities.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence has made no estimate of the levels of commercial investment in Scotland resulting from its expenditure.

Defence Activities: Scotland

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of jobs in Scotland that are reliant on the supply chain created by his Department's activities.

Adam Ingram: The latest available estimates for those jobs in industry and commerce in Scotland that are either directly or indirectly reliant on the supply chain created by the MOD are given in the following table. The estimates refer to jobs throughout industry and commerce resulting from MOD equipment and non-equipment expenditure. These are the best estimates available but they are based on a set of assumptions. Some of these assumptions could underestimate the number of jobs, such as excluding employment in subcontractors whose sub contracts originate from MOD contracts elsewhere in the UK.
	
		
			   Equipment  Non Equipment  Total 
			 Direct Employment 6,000 3,000 9,000 
			 Indirect Employment 1,500 1,000 2,500 
			 Total in Supply Chain 7,500 4,000 11,500 
			  Note: Figures rounded to nearest 500 jobs 
		
	
	Aggregate estimates for the UK detailing direct and indirect employment which separate those involved with employment on MOD equipment, MOD non-equipment, and defence exports are also produced by the Defence Analytical Services Agency (DASA) in Table 1.9, UK Defence Statistics 2006 which is available in the Library of the House.

Defence Scientific Advisory Council

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who the members are of the Defence Scientific Advisory Council.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 23 November 2006
	The Defence Scientific Advisory Council (DSAC) provides the Ministry of Defence's main source of independent advice on non-nuclear science and technology issues. It is a non departmental public body set up by the Secretary of State for Defence. DSAC and MOD do not release the identities of the membership except for the Chairperson, Professor Julia King. The rest of the Council comprises senior academics and industrialists who are independent of the MOD. All are recruited through open competition and appointed by Ministers. I am unable to release the names of them in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Defence: Expenditure

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will revise the Defence Planning Assumptions prior to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Our assessment of the likely strategic context our armed forces will be operating in, the tasks they will be required to undertake and the capabilities they will need informs the CSR process. This assessment is also the basis on which we formulate the Defence Planning Assumptions. The Planning Assumptions themselves are routinely reviewed as part of the Department's strategic planning cycle. This work is under way and will be completed in spring 2008.

Defence: Expenditure

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work his Department is undertaking in preparation for the comprehensive spending review; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: As with all Departments, the Ministry of Defence is engaged in the process of analysing its requirements and preparing material for the comprehensive spending review 2007. The Department also meets regularly with HM Treasury at both official and ministerial level to discuss progress towards comprehensive spending review 2007.

Defence: Procurement

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which procurement projects have been cancelled since 1997; and what total losses were incurred following each cancellation.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence Appropriation Accounts (1997-98, 1998-99), the Ministry of Defence Consolidated Departmental Resource Accounts (1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02) and Annual Report and Accounts from 2002-03 onwards—copies of which are available in the Library of the House—detail losses arising from the cancellation of procurement projects.

Departmental Furniture

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost is of one Herman Miller Aeron chair for his Department's civilian headquarters.

Derek Twigg: The purchase of office furniture was part of a major redevelopment of the Ministry of Defence's main building in Whitehall, which fulfils both a Department of State and military headquarters function and accommodates around 3,300 military and civilian personnel. The Herman Miller Aeron chairs were purchased in bulk at a very substantial discount. I am withholding the details as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice commercial interests.

Departmental Logos

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the costs of  (a) stationery and  (b) other promotional merchandise branded with his Department's name was in each of the last three years.

Derek Twigg: The information requested is not held centrally in the format requested and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost. Our headquarters Communications policy area (the Directorate General Media and Communication), however, has spent the following on promotional material (which includes branded stationery) in the last three years:
	
		
			  Financial year  Amount (£) 
			 2005-06 97,779 
			 2004-05 82,603 
			 2003-04 58,842 
		
	
	This encompasses material promoting both the Department's name and that of each of our Services.

Departmental Publications

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of the in-house staff magazine of his Department from the last 24 months.

Derek Twigg: I have placed copies of FOCUS, the Department's principal in-house staff magazine, in the Library of the House today.

EU Rapid Reaction Force

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role he expects the UK to play in the planned European Rapid Reaction Force; and what  (a) military and  (b) financial contribution he expects the UK to make.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 25 October 2006,  Official Report, column 1876W, to the hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr. Hayes).

European Fighter Aircraft: Saudi Arabia

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has signed a contract with BAE Systems to produce the 72 Eurofighters for Saudi Arabia; whether it includes replacing the 24 originally due to be supplied to the Royal Air Force; and what the delivery schedule is.

Adam Ingram: Negotiations on the supply of Euro fighter-Typhoon to Saudi Arabia remain ongoing. Any requirement to replace diverted aircraft as a result of a final contract will be negotiated in parallel.

Falkland Islands

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what deployments of troops are in place for the defence of the Falkland Islands; and what deployments are planned.

Adam Ingram: There are approximately 1,450 armed forces personnel serving in the Falkland Islands; this number is subject to variation throughout the year as a result of individual posting plots and unit movements. The United Kingdom remains committed to the security of the Falkland Islands; we maintain permanent forces there to deter aggression and defend the right of the Falkland Islanders to self-determination. The force levels required to do this are kept under continuous review.

Future Large Aircraft

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the first A400M transport aircraft will be operational within the RAF.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 8 February 2007
	The A400M is planned to deliver operational capability to the RAF from 2011.

Helicopters

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent research he has  (a) commissioned and  (b) evaluated on the effectiveness of (i) Bell Griffin HAR2 and (ii) Apache helicopters in recovering individual personnel from a battlefield.

Adam Ingram: Since battlefield recovery scenarios vary considerably, local commanders instigate recovery operations within the framework of established doctrine using those assets available to them and judged best suited to the circumstances. We have not undertaken research on the effectiveness of using either of these helicopters in recovering personnel from a battlefield, though we have benefited from US experience in using the Apache for personnel recovery. We do not operate the Bell Griffin in the operational environment.

Hercules Aircraft

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Hercules aircraft have been fitted with foam protection to their fuel tanks; what the timetable is for the fitting of explosive suppressant foam to the rest of the fleet; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The programme to fit explosive suppressant foam (ESF) to the majority of the RAF Hercules fleet is ongoing. On current plans it is expected that this work will be completed around the end of the year.
	Following earlier enquiries the Department has given information on the number of Hercules aircraft fitted with ESF. I do not intend, however, to give continuous updates on progress with this programme as to do so would ultimately reveal the total number equipped with this capability, and this information would, or would be likely to, prejudice the security of the UK armed forces.

Hercules Aircraft

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what purpose a UK foam protected Hercules aircraft is stationed in the United States; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: A Hercules aircraft is temporarily deployed to the USA for essential crew training to ensure operational effectiveness of the aircrews. I am withholding further details as their release would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of our armed forces.

Housing

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to improve  (a) military housing and  (b) married quarters.

Derek Twigg: The Ministry of Defence is planning to spend over £5 billion on service accommodation in the next decade.
	This will deliver 20,000 single living accommodation bedspaces—in addition to the 20,000 bedspaces already delivered since 2001—and will maintain and improve families accommodation.

Information Infrastructure Contract

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many desktop computers have been installed under Increment 1 of the Defence Information Infrastructure contract; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many desktop computers should have been rolled out to date according to the roll-out timetable for Increment 1 of the Defence Information Infrastructure contract.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 19 January 2007
	A total of 2,244 new DII(F) desktops had been delivered by 18 January and are operational across 166 of the 680 sites planned for Increment 1.
	4,647 DII(F) desktops should have been rolled out by the end of December 2006.
	The rate of delivery of DII(F) desktops is determined by a formal rollout schedule and this schedule relies on sites being prepared and ready to receive them. Delays in these areas, and in the provision of some software releases, have had an adverse effect on the speed with which ATLAS are able to roll out DII(F) to sites.

Marine Services

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made with negotiations with Serco on the contract for the future provision of marine services; and when he expects the contract to be finalised.

Adam Ingram: Negotiations with Serco Denholm Ltd. are at an advanced stage and the current expectation is that a contract will be awarded in summer 2007.

Marine Services

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when bids for the Future Provision of Marine Services were first invited; and how many bids were received.

Adam Ingram: Following an industry day in May 2003 and a subsequent pre-qualification questionnaire exercise, four bidders were short-listed, although two subsequently withdrew. In November 2003, the two remaining bidders, Serco Denholm Ltd and the Starfish Consortium (the latter comprising Babcock Naval Services (Clyde), Devonport Management Ltd. (Plymouth), Fleet Support Ltd. (Portsmouth) and Smit International (Scotland) Ltd.), were each invited to submit proposals.

Marine Services

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the award of the Future Provision of Marine Services contract.

Adam Ingram: Since 2003 when industry bids were first sought, we received a number of representations on the Future Provision of Marine Services (FPMS). These have included correspondence from hon. and right hon. Members, representations from the Transport and General Workers Union and Prospect Union and the unsuccessful bidder.

Marines

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what steps  (a) have been taken and  (b) are planned to prepare 1 Rifles for its attachment to the 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines;
	(2)  what operational roles 1 Rifles will play within 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines;
	(3)  whether personnel in 1 Rifles will be required to complete the  (a) pre- and  (b) full all arms commando course prior to their attachment to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines;
	(4)  in what way the attachment of 1 Rifles to the 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines (3 CBRM) will increase the  (a) (i) organisational and structural depth and (ii) capability of 3 CBRM,  (b) delivery of military capability and  (c) depth of relationship between the Royal Navy and the Army.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 6 February 2007
	Detailed planning by Army and Navy staffs and the MOD for the attachment of a fourth manoeuvre unit to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines has been on-going since May 2005. Following my announcement to the House on 29 January 2007,  Official Report, column 4WS, a joint Army and Navy working group is taking forward the planning and implementation of the attachment of 1 Rifles to 3 Commando Brigade from 1 April 2008.
	1 Rifles will not undertake the Lead Commando Group role but will carry out the role of secondary assault wave manoeuvre unit in the same manner as other Commando Units.
	There is no requirement for 1 Rifles personnel to attend a pre-course or to undertake the full all arms commando course in order to carry out their role as the fourth manoeuvre unit for 3 Commando Brigade. Individuals may in the course of their individual career development apply for and attend the all arms commando course.
	The attachment of 1 Rifles to 3 Commando Brigade will enable the Brigade to be both on standby for contingent operations while simultaneously providing units to the Current Operational Commitments Plot. This will increase the overall delivery of military capability in line with Defence Strategic Guidance. The integration of an Infantry Battalion into a strong coalition amphibious structure that includes the US Marine Corps and the Royal Netherland Marine Corps units will have wider Defence benefits. In addition, the co-operation and co-ordination of effort between the Army and Navy will bring benefits in terms of resource and information sharing in the training and education of soldiers and single service tactics, techniques and procedures. Army understanding of operations in the littoral environment will also be broadened.

Marines: Manpower

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel were serving in the Royal Marines on 1 April in each year from 1997 to 2006.

Derek Twigg: The following table provides the strength figures for Royal Marines at 1 April each year from 1997 to 2006.
	
		
			   1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 Total 6,700 6,840 6,750 6,750 6,970 7,010 7,260 7,240 7,350 7,430 
			
			 Officers 700 690 690 670 670 710 730 740 750 770 
			 Trained 590 600 570 600 580 590 610 650 660 680 
			 Untrained 110 90 120 70 80 120 120 80 90 90 
			
			 Other ranks 6,000 6,150 6,060 6,080 6,300 6,300 6,530 6,510 6,600 6,660 
			 Trained 5,470 5,410 5,300 5,380 5,530 5,540 5,720 5,850 5,750 5,790 
			 Untrained 530 740 770 690 770 760 810 650 850 880

Military Bases

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many full-time equivalent employees are employed by AWE Management Ltd. at  (a) AWE Aldermaston and  (b) AWE Burghfield.

Adam Ingram: The Atomic Weapons Establishment is managed under Government-owned/contractor-operated arrangements. While our contract is with AWE Management Ltd., a separate company, AWE plc., employs the work force. AWE plc. had 3,990 staff employed at AWE Aldermaston and 331 employed at AWE Burghfield at the end of January 2007.

Military Aircraft: Helicopters

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the potential for the use of small light assault helicopters in  (a) Afghanistan and  (b) other combat zones.

Adam Ingram: We continually review our helicopter requirements to ensure that we have sufficient helicopter support to meet current and anticipated tasks. While we do not use the term "small light assault helicopters", our helicopters in Afghanistan and other combat zones include those suited to heavy-lift tasks, such as Chinook and Merlin; utility helicopters, such as Lynx, Puma and Sea King; and attack helicopters, such as Apache. No capability gap has been identified for small light assault helicopters.

Military Aircraft: Helicopters

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has  (a) to purchase and  (b) to lease helicopters from the US military for operations in (i) Afghanistan and (ii) Iraq.

Des Browne: Currently, there are no plans to purchase or lease helicopters from the US armed forces for operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. The US continue to deploy significant numbers of military helicopters in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of coalition and NATO operations respectively.

Military Exercises: Warcop

Paddy Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates land owned by Strathmore Estates adjacent to the Warcop Training Area was used for exercises using AS320 heavy weapons since 2000; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 7 February 2007
	The information requested is not held centrally and will take a little time to collate. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Ministerial Meetings

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what meetings  (a) he,  (b) Ministers and  (c) officials from his Department have held with representatives of the defence industry since 1 August; when each meeting took place; what the subjects were of each meeting; and who attended each.

Derek Twigg: Defence Ministers have held the following meetings with defence manufacturers between 1 August 2006 and 8 December 2006.
	 Minister for the Armed Forces
	28 November 2006—Defence Aircraft Repair Agency Management Advisory Board.
	21 November 2006—Army Base Repair Organisation Owners Council Meeting.
	 Minister for Defence Procurement
	16 November 2006—Meeting with representatives from Atkins.
	27 November 2006—Meeting with a representative from QinetiQ to discuss defence technology issues.
	24 November 2006—Meeting with representatives from Agusta Westland to discuss the Defence Industrial Strategy and various helicopter projects.
	23 November 2006—Meeting with representatives from General Dynamics UK to discuss the FRES project.
	22 November 2006—Meeting with a representative from EADS to discuss strategic relationship issues.
	16 November 2006—Meeting with representatives from the VT Group to discuss the Maritime Industrial Strategy.
	9 November 2006—Meeting with a representative from VT Group to discuss Maritime Industrial Strategy issues.
	9 November 2006—Meeting with a representative from BAE Systems to discuss both the Defence and Maritime Industrial Strategies along with various equipment projects and the supply of Typhoon aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
	6 November 2006—Meeting with industry representatives at Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) Alliance Board.
	2 November 2006—Meeting with industry representatives at the National Defence Industries Council.
	1 November 2006—Meeting with representatives from MBDA to discuss the Complex Weapons sector of the Defence Industrial Strategy.
	25 October 2006—Meeting with representatives from Lockheed Martin to discuss the Joint Strike Fighter project.
	23 October 2006—Ministerial meeting with representatives from EADS to discuss Airbus.
	29 September 2006—Meeting with representatives from Thales to discuss Maritime Industrial issues.
	28 September 2006—Meeting with representatives from Boeing to discuss the Chinook Mk3.
	20 September 2006—Meeting with a representative from VT Group to discuss Maritime Industrial issues.
	19 September 2006—Meeting with representatives from Lockheed Martin to discuss the FRES project.
	 Under-Secretary of State for Defence
	1 November 2006—Meeting with representatives from EDS Defence Ltd.
	Each of the Defence Ministers may also have met with defence manufacturers on other less formal occasions during the period, including while visiting company premises or at party political events.
	Details of every meeting between officials and representatives from defence manufacturers is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However there will have been numerous regular and ad hoc meetings since 1 August 2006.

Navy: Vacancies

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on which occasions a ship at sea recorded the percentage of gapped posts higher than 5 per cent. in the past 12 months.

Adam Ingram: Submarines are 100 per cent. manned when deployed on operations. Surface ships use flexible manning systems and sail with the manning levels appropriate to their tasking. They routinely operate with greater than 5 per cent. gapping as a result of personnel being ashore for training, medical, or compassionate reasons, or assigned to augment other, higher priority tasking elsewhere. Detailed statistics on gapping from front-line units are not collated because only exceptionally, as in the case of HMS Cumberland referred to in my answer of 28 November 2006,  Official Report, column 629W, are gapping levels reported by units.

New Technologies

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what procedures his Department has in place to identify new technologies of defence interest.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence undertakes a number of different approaches to identifying new technologies, primarily through its research programme. This is an important activity that both exploits the opportunities presented by new technologies and counters any threats that they may represent.
	The two principal elements of activity conducted by the MOD are 'Technology Watch', a deep awareness of technical developments in areas of known defence importance, and 'Horizon Scanning', a broad but shallow awareness of technical developments across the scientific and technical disciplines. MOD's strategy towards identifying new technologies was recently published in chapter B12 of the Defence Technology Strategy (DTS).
	In addition to these activities, and as part of the full implementation of the DTS, the MOD is running two initiatives to identify new technologies relevant to defence that exist in the UK's wider science community: the Competition of Ideas www.ideas.mod.uk and the Grand Challenge www.challenge.mod.uk.
	The Competition of Ideas aims to inspire the best innovators from across the UK to bid for a contract to develop their ideas to help meet key defence challenges.
	The Grand Challenge is a major science and technology competition, open to the whole UK science and technology base, which aims to seek new technological approaches to the problem of urban surveillance.

Nuclear Weapons

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government have taken since the 2005 Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference to pursue good faith negotiations for nuclear disarmament.

Des Browne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave most recently in evidence to the House of Commons Defence Select Committee on 6 February.

Nuclear Weapons: Proliferation

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on each of the 13 practical steps towards nuclear disarmament agreed at the 2000 non-proliferation treaty review conference.

Des Browne: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 8 January 2007,  Official Report, column 97W, to the hon. Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey).

Open Source Software

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of his Department's computer systems use open source software; what percentage of the systems planned to be installed use such software; and whether he plans to increase the use of open source software in his Department.

Adam Ingram: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The use of open source software across Government Departments is subject to guidance from the Office of Government Commerce (OGC).
	All software is required to be evaluated and accredited before use on the Defence network. This includes an analysis of the security risk to IT systems, and would ensure that all technical countermeasures had been applied. Open source software products are unlikely to have been evaluated to the required extent and therefore the overall cost of evaluation, coupled with any lack of support contracts, may offset any benefit in reduced overall licensing costs to the MOD.
	None of the infrastructure systems currently supported by the Defence Communication Services Agency's Defence Information Infrastructure (DII) IPT, use open source software and there are no plans to replace such systems with open source products. Selection of the software underpinning the future Defence information infrastructure has been left in the hands of the DII Future(F) delivery partner, but currently there is no intention to make use of open source software.
	None of the bidders for the DII(F) contract was proposing an open source solution.

Parliamentary Questions

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will answer question 101404 on the disclosure of information, on the secondment of British personnel, tabled by the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South on 20 November.

Des Browne: I replied to the hon. Member today.

Phalanx C-RAM Anti Mortar System

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has evaluated the Phalanx C-RAM Anti Mortar System for use in the defence of British bases in Iraq and Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The Department is continually evaluating the capabilities that contribute to or could contribute to the deterrence of, and protection of bases from, indirect fire in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provision is being made for the early identification and treatment of post-traumatic stress in personnel in and returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Derek Twigg: It is our policy that mental health issues should be properly recognised and appropriately handled and that every effort should be made to reduce the stigma associated with them.
	We have put measures in place to increase awareness at all levels and to mitigate against the development of PTSD and other stress-related health issues. These include pre-and post-deployment briefing and the availability of support, assessment and (if required) treatment, both during and after operational deployments. This is available to all personnel, whether regular or mobilised reservist.
	All significant operational deployments have mental health professionals as part of the deployed medical team. The team might comprise psychiatrists and/or mental health nurses. This team will continue the educational process during the operational tour and will also brief the chain of command about operational mental health issues detected. Individuals might be referred to the team for assessment and management and the therapeutic options will include psychological treatments, use of medication or aero-medical evacuation of the individual out of theatre back to further care at their home base.
	Back in the UK, treatment will normally be provided through one of the MOD's 15 Departments of Community Mental Health around the UK (with satellite centres based in Germany, Cyprus and Gibraltar). In the small number of cases when in-patient treatment is required, this will be provided in facilities run by the Priory Group, under the terms of a contract with MOD.
	Finally, the MOD has recently launched a new initiative—the Reserves Mental Health Programme—which is open to reservists who have been demobilised since January 2003 following overseas operational deployment as a reservist and who have concerns that their mental health has suffered primarily as a result of their operational service leading up to their demobilisation. They will be invited to attend the Reserves Training and Mobilisation Centre at Chilwell, Nottinghamshire, where members of the Defence Medical Services will carry out an assessment of their mental health. If it is considered that they are eligible for out-patient treatment by the Defence Medical Services, this will be provided at one of the Departments of Community Mental Health, at the most convenient site to meet the individual's circumstances whenever possible. More details of the programme are available at:
	http://www.army.mod.uk/rtmc/rmhp.htm

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what  (a) immediate and  (b) long-term provisions his Department plans to put in place for soldiers returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq with (i) post traumatic stress disorder, (ii) schizophrenia and (iii) psychotic disorder.

Derek Twigg: The Ministry of Defence has a broad spectrum of assessment, treatment and care available for Service personnel seeking assistance with any mental health condition. Service personnel have access to mental health professionals in the theatre of operations, in the United Kingdom, and other base areas overseas. In theatre, military Field Mental Health Teams provide assessment, treatment and support to Service personnel deployed on major operations. These teams are manned by qualified Registered Nurses and Community Mental Health Nurses who have access to theatre-based medical staff and support from United Kingdom-based specialists.
	Some personnel will be referred direct from theatre to a military Department of Community Mental Health that is local to his or her home unit. Here the individual will have access to a multidisciplinary team made up of Psychiatrists, Nurses, Psychologists and Social Workers; the individual's specific needs will determine which discipline(s) will best suit the requirement.
	Those requiring inpatient assessment and treatment will, depending on their needs, be admitted to an Independent Service Provider hospital in the United Kingdom (or for some patients based in Germany, to the Military Mental Health Unit, Wegberg). If this is required, the individual is aeromedically evacuated under the care of specially trained clinicians. When treated in an ISP hospital, uniformed Service Liaison Officers act as a representative for the patient and liaise with the hospital and military authorities on relevant matters of the individual's care.
	While the specific conditions mentioned in the question are rare in the military population, they do sometimes occur. Service personnel with suspected or confirmed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders have access to all the specialist assessment and treatment facilities that I have described. Where relevant, assessment and treatment are delivered in accordance with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
	All military psychiatry and mental health services are occupational in nature and the aim is to return to full military functioning. When illness is chronic, demanding and debilitating and as such may prevent the individual from returning to service, the Service mental health, social work and resettlement specialities will work with the individual with a view to making the transition from Service to civilian life, and will liaise closely with NHS teams, social services and other authorities. The primary aim of all concerned is to provide a seamless transfer of the patient's care from the military to the NHS.

RAF Innsworth

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with Army personnel on their possible use of the RAF Innsworth site; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Releases into the Atmosphere

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list each episode where  (a) chemical particles and  (b) live organisms were released by his Department, its predecessors or those acting on their behalf over parts of the UK over the last 30 years.

Adam Ingram: An unclassified report summarising the BW Defence Field Trials conducted by the MOD between 1940 and 1979 was published in February 1999. A copy is available in the Library of the House, reference DERA/CBD/CR990038. Many of the reports of the individual trials are now also available in the National Archive. By the late 1970's the programme was drawing to a close with a small number of trials involving  Bacillus globigi,  E.coli and killed  Serratia Marcesens on restricted access MOD sites. In 1976, 77 and 78 these trials were undertaken on the range at Porton Down (no dates are given in the relevant technical reports). Also in 1976, trials were conducted at HMS Phoenix NBCD school Portsmouth on 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 and 15 May.
	In subsequent years, some small scale trials involving chemicals or micro-organisms have taken place on MOD land, but the information requested is not collated centrally and there is no indication that the details required have been retained within the MOD. A review of the information held within MOD and the compilation of any information located would involve disproportionate cost.

Royal Logistics Corps

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total  (a) required and  (b) actual personnel has been for each regiment in the Royal Logistics Corps since 1997.

Derek Twigg: The following table shows the full-time trained strength of the Royal Logistics Corps, compared to the liability, since 1 April 1997. Data showing the breakdown of the Royal Logistics Corps by regiment is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Full-time trained strength of the Royal Logistic Corps compared to liability 
			   Liability  Strength 
			 1 April 1997 n/a 15,590 
			 1 April 1998 n/a 15,360 
			 1 April 1999 15,860 15,250 
			 1 April 2000 16,320 15,340 
			 1 April 2001 16,680 15,000 
			 1 April 2002 16,680 14,810 
			 1 April 2003 16,350 14,980 
			 1 April 2004 16,290 15,450 
			 1 April 2005 16,390 15,520 
			 1 April 2006 15,720 15,670 
			 1 December 2006 15,720 15,580 
			 n/a = Not available   Notes:  1. The full-time trained strength and requirement includes Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) personnel, but excludes mobilised reservists. FTRS personnel were created under the Reserve Forces Act 1998 and hence there are no FTRS figures included within the 1 April 1997 and 1 April 1998 strengths.  2. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Numbers ending in five have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Seconded Personnel

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what account is taken of the wishes of foreign governments in decisions on whether to disclose information relating to the secondment of British personnel to countries to provide  (a) training,  (b) operational support and  (c) expert advice.

Des Browne: Any request to disclose information relating to the secondment of members of HM armed forces to foreign countries would be considered on a case by case basis and handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. Where a third party originated or has a direct interest in the information requested, it is our policy to consult and consider any comments in determining whether disclosure would be prejudicial and in assessing the balance of public interest. The proactive disclosure of any information would, of course, be decided in discussion with the foreign Government concerned.

Serco

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the length is of each contract his Department has with Serco; what services are provided under each contract; and where services are provided in each case.

Adam Ingram: According to central departmental records the Ministry of Defence currently has some 132 direct contracts with Serco. They are listed in the following table and indicate where the services are provided by geographical (rather than MOD site) location. Broadly, the services provided range from provision of task management, operation and maintenance services, information systems support, facilities operation and management, training and systems engineering and advice on nuclear safety. Other information, including indirect sub contracts, is not held centrally or in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Company  Location  Contract No.  Date contract commenced 
			 Serco Consultants Dumbarton WS33/8017 16 May 1997 
			 Serco Denholm Cirencester CB/STC9/047 31 October 2000 
			 Serco Denholm Plymouth NBCD1E/661685 26 January 2004 
			 Serco Denholm Plymouth NBCD1E/661687 26 January 2004 
			 Serco Denholm Plymouth NBCD1E/662296 29 November 2006 
			 Serco Denholm Basingstoke NBCPCB/0082 28 April 2006 
			 Serco Denholm Plymouth NLS21A/0001 28 February 1996 
			 Serco Denholm Portsmouth NLS21A/0002 28 February 1996 
			 Serco Denholm Greenock NLS21A/0003 28 February 1996 
			 Serco Gulf Engineering Cirencester PTC/CB/01258 16 January 2006 
			 Serco Ltd. Ipswich A/13B/7014 7 June 1995 
			 Serco Ltd. Oxford AARC1A/00136 25 October 2005 
			 Serco Ltd. Salisbury ABRO1B2/1790 22 April 1996 
			 Serco Ltd. Portsmouth ADGBS/2102 1 April 2003 
			 Serco Ltd. Warrington ART1A/1272 29 January 1999 
			 Serco Ltd. Oxford AVCOMM2/1194 12 November 2001 
			 Serco Ltd. Bicester AVCOMM2/1433 15 November 2004 
			 Serco Ltd. Portsmouth AVCOMM4/0235 26 August 2005 
			 Serco Ltd. Gloucester CASSCM/410 4 September 2001 
			 Serco Ltd. Brighton CB/DGIA/190 1 July 2005 
			 Serco Ltd. Yeovil CB/FLEET/3021 28 January 2004 
			 Serco Ltd. Portsmouth CB/FLT1/1145 6 April 2005 
			 Serco Ltd. Farnborough—Hants CB/FLT1/1335 7 November 2005 
			 Serco Ltd. Warrington CB/FLT1/1369 14 December 2005 
			 Serco Ltd. Oxford CB/STC2/385 3 March 1999 
			 Serco Ltd. Oxford CB/STC3/3048 18 November 1996 
			 Serco Ltd. — CB/STC3/3077 19 October 2001 
			 Serco Ltd. Swindon CBC(PI)038 10 February 2005 
			 Serco Ltd. Swindon CBC/1B/0093 11 December 2003 
			 Serco Ltd. Warrington CBC/2B/0213 1 July 2003 
			 Serco Ltd. Germany CDCRBG/1253 11 December 2000 
			 Serco Ltd. City/Centre of London CHOTS/1267I 30 July 1999 
			 Serco Ltd. Bristol CP(PI)0001 29 June 2000 
			 Serco Ltd. Gibraltar CP11A/1175 22 December 1999 
			 Serco Ltd. Portsmouth CP21B/1236 17 December 1997 
			 Serco Ltd. Ipswich CS4D/2027 30 September 2002 
			 Serco Ltd. Farnborough—Hants CSE/6072 1 August 2005 
			 Serco Ltd. Warrington CSG/057 1 April 2005 
			 Serco Ltd. Croydon CSIS/00032 9 May 2001 
			 Serco Ltd. Croydon CSIS/00033 13 July 2001 
			 Serco Ltd. North London CSIS/00143 1 April 2006 
			 Serco Ltd. Farnborough—Hants DCSA/2164 10 October 2005 
			 Serco Ltd. Hounslow DE32/7113 11 July 2001 
			 Serco Ltd. Colchester DE32/7114 11 July 2001 
			 Serco Ltd. Portsmouth DE32/7116 17 March 2003 
			 Serco Ltd. Didcot DECRE/11970 15 July 2003 
			 Serco Ltd. Farnborough—Hants DEO31/6078 8 July 1998 
			 Serco Ltd. Farnborough—Hants DEO32/7073 7 November 1997 
			 Serco Ltd. Hounslow DEO32/7074 7 November 1997 
			 Serco Ltd. Amersham DEO32/7077 7 November 1997 
			 Serco Ltd. Weymouth DLO/MTSC/0006 2 October 2000 
			 Serco Ltd. Didcot FS2/210 8 March 2002 
			 Serco Ltd. Farnborough—Hants FSATC1/1016 2 September 2003 
			 Serco Ltd. Ipswich HEC1A/0118 22 December 2004 
			 Serco Ltd. Yeovil HEC1A/0138 1 April 2006 
			 Serco Ltd. Droitwich ICS2A/112381 20 December 2000 
			 Serco Ltd. Portsmouth ICSS/1042 18 July 2001 
			 Serco Ltd. Portsmouth ICSS/1056 26 November 2002

Service Families: Support Arrangements

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what  (a) immediate and  (b) long-term support his Department plans to put in place for forces families upon the return of soldiers from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Derek Twigg: When service personnel return from operations they receive post operational leave (one working day for every nine calendar days deployed), which enables them to spend quality time with their families and friends, to assist in the process of adjustment. All service personnel and their families have access to significant single service welfare resources, which are permanently available to assist them with any difficulties they may encounter following the return of the serviceman or woman. This can be accessed through unit welfare and community support staff. Service personnel and their families also have access to independent Confidential Support Line provided by the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help. In addition units provide a broad spectrum of welfare support and briefings prior to, during and after operations.

Spare Parts

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 6 December,  Official Report, column 448W, on spare parts, how many losses in transit there were in  (a) 2005 and  (b) 2006.

Adam Ingram: The reported total value of the losses in transit for financial year 2005-06 was £4.8 million, consisting of 2,823 items; and for the first nine months of financial year 2006-07 the total value of losses recorded is £2.1 million, consisting of 1,731 items. Data are not held in such a way that enables the separate identification of "spare parts".

Troops Accommodation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to provide all troops in  (a) Iraq and  (b) Afghanistan with hardened living accommodation as protection against mortar fire; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: We are continuing to improve the protection of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan against the effects of indirect fire through a range of measures depending on the nature of the threat. For a variety of logistical reasons there are no plans at present to provide all troops in either theatre with the kind of purpose built steel and concrete structures that provide some hardened protection against mortars.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles by British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Des Browne: The UK currently deploys unmanned aerial vehicles in Afghanistan and has access to coalition unmanned aerial vehicles in Iraq. Together with other capabilities, this provides UK forces with tactical situational awareness and improves the force protection to deployed troops. We keep under review the requirement for reconnaissance, surveillance and wider force protection capabilities in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Warships: Procurement

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the  (a) Royal Navy warships and  (b) Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels (i) on which design work began and (ii) for which orders have been placed since the 1997 general election.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 8 February 2007
	Orders for the following Royal Navy warships and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels have been placed since May 1997:
	 Royal Navy
	 Type 45 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyers:
	Daring
	Dauntless
	Diamond
	Dragon
	Defender
	Duncan
	 Echo class Survey vessels:
	Echo
	Enterprise
	 River class Offshore Patrol vessels:
	Tyne
	Severn
	Mersey
	Clyde
	 Royal Fleet Auxiliary
	 Bay class Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliaries):
	Largs Bay
	Lyme Bay
	Mounts Bay
	Cardigan Bay
	This excludes any vessels chartered for Royal Fleet Auxiliary use and the six-ship RoRo Strategic Sealift PFI service.
	Design work on all of the above-named vessels began after May 1997. In addition, design work is under way on the two new aircraft carriers.

World War II: Bombs

Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to determine whether the device recently discovered in Streatham Park Cemetery is an unexploded bomb dating from World War Two.

Adam Ingram: The MOD provides explosive ordnance clearance support to Police Forces under standing arrangements with the Home Office. The device referred to in Streatham Park Cemetery features on a list of Second World War unexploded bombs compiled many years ago from wartime and post-war records. Bomb sites were examined at the time and the decision was taken that buried devices did not represent a danger to life. If munitions become unearthed then specialist military units, at the behest of the police, will dispose of the ordnance.

TREASURY

Committees: Ministerial Attendance

Ben Wallace: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what occasions  (a) he and  (b) departmental Ministers have been requested to appear before committees of (i) devolved institutions and (ii) the European Parliament since 2004; on what topic in each case; how many and what proportion of such requests were accepted; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: Treasury Ministers are accountable to the United Kingdom Parliament in respect of non-devolved matters. We have not appeared before committees of devolved institutions.
	Ministers in the Department attend committees of the European Parliament in the course of official business. A detailed analysis could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Deborah Mattinson

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Deborah Mattinson has undertaken freelance work for his Department in the last three years.

John Healey: Deborah Mattinson has not undertaken any freelance work for the Treasury in the last three years.

Departmental Photographs

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department spent on photography in the last year for which figures are available.

John Healey: Photography is not recorded as a separate category of expenditure, so the information on spending, if any, is not held.

Departmental Reorganisation

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes have been made to his Department's Directorate structure in the last 12 months.

John Healey: The Treasury's Directorate structure is published annually in the departmental report.

Departments: Conferences

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions civil servants in his Department and its agencies have been given permission to attend the Labour Party conference to carry out departmental business in the last three years.

John Healey: Where officials are required to attend party conferences to carry out essential official business unconnected with the conference, this is done in accordance with section 4.4 of the civil service management code.

Electorate

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Office for National Statistics' estimate is of the total registered electorate eligible to vote in UK general elections in  (a) England,  (b) Wales,  (c) Scotland and  (d) Northern Ireland in each year since 1997.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Colin Mowl, dated 13 February 2007:
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your question concerning what the Office for National Statistics' estimate is of the total registered electorate eligible to vote in the UK general elections in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland in each year since 1997. I am replying in her absence. (119477)
	The attached table shows the number of registered electors by the constituent countries of the UK (excluding attainers) for 1997 to 2005. Data for 1 December 2006 will be published on 22 February 2007 and will be downloadable from:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=319&Pos=&ColRank=l&Rank=272
	
		
			  Total number of registered electorate eligible to vote in the UK and its constituent countries, 1997 to 2005 
			  February 
			   1997  1998  1999  2000  2001 
			 United Kingdom 43,888,115 44,035,670 44,175,166 44,272,419 44,422,543 
			 England 36,568,394 36,696,571 36,808,100 36,909,180 37,043,755 
			 Wales 2,199,377 2,209,781 2,206,490 2,212,151 2,218,453 
			 Scotland 3,947,813 3,958,700 3,975,665 3,961,944 3,970,838 
			 Northern Ireland 1,172,531 1,170,618 1,184,911 1,189,144 1,189,497 
		
	
	
		
			  December 
			   2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 United Kingdom 44,568,029 44,248,947 44,071,274 44,180,204 44,448,897 
			 England 37,231,972 37,121,228 36,973,617 37,092,001 37,241,084 
			 Wales 2,217,396 2,207,347 2,204,395 2,217,495 2,221,883 
			 Scotland 3,938,081 3,856,856 3,830,079 3,833,072 3,836,876 
			 Northern Ireland 1,180,580 1,063,516 1,063,183 1,037,636 1,149,054 
			  Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Mortality Statistics

Tony Baldry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2007,  Official Report, column 232W, on mortality statistics, how many people died as a result of a stroke in  (a) 2003,  (b) 2004,  (c) 2005 and  (d) 2006 in (i) Northern Ireland, (ii) Scotland and (iii) Wales.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Colin Mowl, dated 8 February 2007:
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question asking, pursuant to the Answer of 30th January 2007, Official Report, column 232W, on mortality statistics, how many people died as a result of a stroke in each (a) strategic health authority and (b) primary care trust in (i) 2003, (ii) 2004, (iii) 2005 and (iv) 2006. I am replying in her absence (119233)
	The table attached provides the number of deaths where stroke was the underlying cause of death in each (a) strategic health authority and (b) primary care organisation1 in England, the total number in Wales, and in England and Wales combined, for 2003 to 2005 (the latest year available). A copy has been placed in the House of Commons Library.
	The totals given here for England and Wales are slightly lower than the corresponding figures given in the Answer of 30th January. Figures broken down by NHS organisation differ from national figures in excluding deaths of people not usually resident in England and Wales, and are based on the year of registration of death rather than the year of occurrence.

Mr. Nigel Morris

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what role Mr. Nigel Morris has played in advising his Department since 1997.

John Healey: There is no record of Nigel Morris having advised the Treasury since 1997.

Public Appointments

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 18 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1342W, on public appointments, on which appointments the Prime Minister's approval was sought.

John Healey: The Prime Minister's approval is sought wherever it is required for an appointment to be made.

Regional Planning and Development

Mark Prisk: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the scope is of the sub national review of economic development and regeneration; with which Government Departments he has held discussions on the review; and when the review will  (a) conclude and  (b) publish its findings.

John Healey: The review of sub-national economic development and regeneration was announced in the 2006 Budget. Its terms of reference can be found on the Treasury website at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/spending_review/spend_csr07/reviews/spend_csr07_reviewsindex.cfm
	The review is led by the Treasury, working closely with DCLG, DTI and other Government Departments. The findings of the review will report to Ministers ahead of CSR 2007.

Smuggling: Fuels

David Simpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many vehicles which had been used for cross border fuel smuggling were seized by the authorities in Northern Ireland in the last period for which figures are available; how much fuel was seized; and what estimate he has made of the amount of revenue which would have been lost as a result of the attempted smuggling.

John Healey: During 2005-06,1.08 million litres of fuel and 956 vehicles were seized relating to all forms of illicit fuel activity including smuggling. All operational data relate to HMRC only and not to any other agencies.
	The latest estimates of revenue loss in the hydrocarbon oils sector are published in 'Measuring Indirect Tax Loss-2006', which was published alongside the PBR. All estimates for Northern Ireland relate to total non-UK duty paid consumption rather than the illicit market and include legitimate cross-border shopping.

Smuggling: Fuels

David Simpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many illegal fuel laundering plants were detected in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years, broken down by district command unit.

John Healey: The number of illegal fuel laundering plants disrupted in Northern Ireland are available in HMRC's annual report and are set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of laundering plants disrupted in Northern Ireland 
			   Number 
			 2003-04 13 
			 2004-05 18 
			 2005-06 16 
		
	
	The above figures relate to all of Northern Ireland as HMRC law enforcement activity is co-ordinated from one central unit covering the whole province.

Smuggling: Fuels

David Simpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many vehicles in Northern Ireland were detected running illegally on red diesel in each of the last three years.

John Healey: The number of vehicles seized relating to hydrocarbon oils fraud in Northern Ireland are available in HMRC's annual report and are as follows:
	
		
			   2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			 Number of vehicles seized 901 812 956

Parliamentary Questions

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will answer question 113824, on public sector pensions, tabled on 5 January 2007 by the hon. Member for Yeovil.

John Healey: It was answered on 2 February 2007,  Official Report, column 569W.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Adult Mental Health Services

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what national guidance is given to adult mental health services on young people who have left care who ask for support.

Rosie Winterton: I have been asked to reply.
	No national guidance has been issued to adult mental health services specifically about young people who have left care. Access to mental health services is based on each patient's clinical need as determined by clinicians. All people who are eligible for treatment under the national health service should be able to access mental health services in primary care and, following referral by a primary care practitioner, in secondary care.
	Once care leavers reach the age of 18, they then have the same entitlements to mainstream services, including age-appropriate mental health services, as other young people who have not been in care. It is their personal adviser's role to assist them to access any necessary support.

Children: Databases

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the timetable is for the implementation of the Children's Information Sharing Index; what information will be entered on to the index; who will enter the information on to the index; what the penalties will be for not complying with the requirements of the index; and who will have access to the information on the index.

Beverley Hughes: The Government announced, on 8 December 2005, their intention to implement a national index in 150 local authorities by the end of 2008. We are now nearing completion of the design phase which will include agreement of the proposed build and implementation plan.
	Section 12 of the Children Act 2004, and affirmative resolution regulations to be made under section 12, will set out the information that must or may be included on the index.
	The index will contain a limited and basic record for all children in England up to the age of 18 including basic identifying information—name, address, gender, date of birth, and a unique identifying number based on the existing child reference number/national insurance number; contact details for the child's parent or carer; contact details for services involved with the child; a means for practitioners to indicate that they have information to share, have taken action, or have undertaken a Common Assessment Framework in relation to the child; and other information, included solely for the purposes of identifying and managing the quality of data in the index, for example the date of the last update to the record.
	Section 12 and the supporting regulations specifically prohibit the inclusion of any case information on the index.
	To help support the transition to adult services, there is provision for records of young people who receive additional services—for example care leavers and those with learning disabilities—to remain on the index, with their consent, up to the age of 25.
	A recent public consultation, which concluded on 14 December 2006, sought views on a number of additional data items for inclusion on the index including the addition of name and contact details of the child's health visitor, school nurse and named midwife and, where appropriate, the date of death. Inclusion of the date of death will help to ensure that practitioners who had been working with the child become aware that the child has died and, where approaching the family is necessary, can do so sensitively. It will also enable a timely closure of the record.
	The index will be populated from existing national and local data sources. Data sources are yet to be confirmed but officials are in discussions with a number of national organisations. Draft regulations set out those organisations and bodies whom we expect to be required and those whom we expect to be permitted to supply information to the index. Wherever it is possible, securing data from existing practitioner systems will avoid the need for double data entry on the part of practitioners. Where direct data feeds are not possible, practitioners may be required to enter the information directly into the index via a web browser or indirectly via an authorised index user.
	We see now the need to introduce penalties relating specifically to the index. There are already measures in criminal law which impose penalties for theft or misuse of data or unauthorised access to computer records. Mandatory training for all users and operators of the index will stipulate that section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1998 makes it an offence to unlawfully obtain or disclose personal data without the consent of the data controller. The DCA are considering increasing the penalty for those who misuse personal data from a fine to imprisonment for up to two years. The Computer Misuse Act 1990 provides that unauthorised access, or attempted unauthorised access, to a program or data held on a computer may be punishable by imprisonment.
	The draft regulations made under section 12 specify the types of practitioners in the children's work force whose role would make it appropriate for them to have access to the index including practitioners from health, education, social care and youth justice. Access will be granted according to the role of the practitioner. For example, in a school a small number of named designated staff, such as teachers of children with special educational needs or those with pastoral or child protection responsibilities will have access. Before being granted access to the index, all practitioners will have undergone an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check, any other relevant checks and relevant training in the safe and secure use of the index.
	The draft regulations will be laid before Parliament for debate under affirmative resolution procedures.

Children: Theatre

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received on the  (a) increase in child performance licences issued and  (b) reform of this licensing system; and if he will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 6 February 2007
	The Department routinely receives correspondence related to child performance licensing matters, some of which argues for changes to the licensing system. I am not aware of any representations on increases in licences issued. The Government have no plans to change the current system.

Citizenship

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of schools teach citizenship  (a) nationally,  (b) in Cumbria and  (c) Westmoreland and Lonsdale.

Jim Knight: holding answer 30 January 2007
	All maintained secondary schools in England have a duty to provide citizenship education, which became a statutory part of the National Curriculum in 2002.
	In primary schools, citizenship is delivered as part of a joint non-statutory framework with personal, social and health education (PSHE). We do not collect data on how many schools follow this framework.

Class Size

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 22 January 2006,  Official Report, column 1467W, on class sizes, which schools have class sizes of more than 50 pupils.

Jim Knight: The information requested is shown in the following tables.
	
		
			  Maintained secondary schools: number of classes with 50 or more pupils in year group 10 and 11 taught by one teacher, January 2006—Schools in England 
			  LA name  School name  Number of classes with 50 or more pupils  Number of pupils  Number of support staff  Class activity 
			 Walsall Barr Beacon Language College 1 119 0 PE or Games 
			 Walsall The Streetly School 1 57 0 PE or Games 
			 Somerset The Kings of Wessex Community School 1 108 0 PE or Games 
			 Lancashire Lostock Hall Community High School and Arts College 1 53 1 Humanities 
			 Cornwall Wadebridge School 1 59 0 PE or Games 
			 Sefton Litherland High School 1 51 0 PE or Games 
			 Birmingham Sheldon Heath Community Arts College 1 54 1 PE or Games 
			  Notes: 1. Includes middle schools as deemed 2. Classes taught during a single selected period on the day of the census in January.  Source: Schools Census. 
		
	
	
		
			  Maintained secondary schools: number of classes with 50 or more pupils in year group 10 and 11 taught by two or more teachers, January 2006—Schools in England 
			  LA name  School name  Number of classes with 50 or more pupils  Number of pupils  Number of teachers  Numbers of support staff  Class activity 
			 Kent Hugh Christie Technology College 1 62 2 0 Technology, IT or Computing 
			 Derbyshire St. Mary's Catholic High School 1 200 9 1 PE or Games 
			 Reading Reading School 1 126 5 0 PE or Games 
			 Barnet Hendon School 1 106 4 0 PE or Games 
			 Lancashire St Bede's Catholic High School 1 57 2 0 PE or Games 
			 Lancashire Accrington St. Christopher's Church of England High School 1 88 4 0 PE or Games 
			 Brighton and Hove Cardinal Newman Catholic School 1 106 5 0 PE or Games 
			 Hertfordshire The Chauncy School 1 108 7 0 PE or Games 
			 Northumberland Ashington Community High School 1 155 5 0 PE or Games 
			 Shropshire William Brookes School 1 79 4 0 PE or Games 
			 Hampshire Kings' School 1 79 3 0 PE or Games 
			 Lewisham Forest Hill School 1 199 6 0 PE or Games 
			 Kingston Upon Hull, City of Sydney Smith School 1 64 2 0 PE or Games 
			 North Yorkshire Upper Wharfedale School 1 61 3 0 Education 
			 Cornwall Saltash net Community School 1 98 4 0 PE or Games 
			 Hertfordshire Meridian School 1 51 2 0 PE or Games 
			 Bath and North East Somerset Ralph Allen School 1 88 3 0 Other 
			 Staffordshire Ounsdale High School 1 104 4 0 PE or Games 
			 Leeds Priesthorpe School 1 106 5 0 PE or Games 
			 Kent The Harvey Grammar School 1 81 4 0 PE or Games 
			 Staffordshire Endon High School 1 86 4 0 PE or Games 
			 Hertfordshire Roundwood Park School 1 182 7 0 PE or Games 
			 Kent Holmesdale Technology College 1 107 5 0 PE or Games 
			 Waltham Forest Norlington School for Boys 1 115 5 0 PE or Games 
			 Lincolnshire Birkbeck School and Community Arts College 1 55 2 1 PE or Games 
			 Waltham Forest Tom Hood School 1 89 4 0 PE or Games 
			 Devon Braunton School and Community College 1 78 3 0 PE or Games 
			 Salford Wentworth High School 1 55 4 0 PE or Games 
			 East Sussex Thomas Peacocke Community College 1 57 2 0 PE or Games 
			 Leicestershire The Beauchamp College 1 57 2 0 PE or Games 
			 North Yorkshire Thirsk School and Sixth Form College 1 88 4 0 PE or Games 
			 North Tyneside Monkseaton Community High School 1 53 3 0 PE or Games 
			 Wakefield Crofton High School—Specialists in Maths and Computing 1 63 3 0 PE or Games 
			 Oldham The Radclyffe School 1 55 2 0 PE or Games 
			 Essex The Ramsey School 1 71 3 1 PE or Games 
			 Wakefield Castleford High School Technology College 1 65 3 0 PE or Games 
			 Lincolnshire The Aveland High School 1 95 4 1 Science 
			 Sutton Greenshaw High School 1 110 5 0 PE or Games 
			 Gloucestershire Sir Thomas Rich's School 1 113 6 0 PE or Games 
			 West Berkshire St Bartholomew's School 2 114 6 0 PE or Games 
			 South Gloucestershire Martwood School 2 122 5 0 PE or Games 
			 Tower Hamlets St Paul's Way Community School 2 475 20 0 Mathematics or Numeracy, Science 
			 North Yorkshire Tadcaster Grammar School 2 121 4 0 PE or Games 
			 Rochdale Siddal Moor Sports College 2 143 6 0 PE or Games 
			 Stoke-on-Trent Blurton High School 2 114 4 0 PE or Games 
			 Norfolk Hellesdon High School 2 130 6 0 PE or Games 
			 Hillingdon Mellow Lane School 3 423 19 0 Personal, Social or Leisure, Education/Science/English, Literacy or Reading 
			  Note: 1. Includes middle schools as deemed.  2. Classes taught during a single selected period on the day of the census in January.   Source:  Schools Census

Committees: Ministerial Appearances

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on what occasions  (a) he and  (b) departmental ministers have been requested to appear before committees of (i) devolved institutions and (ii) the European Parliament since 2004; on what topic in each case; how many and what proportion of such requests were accepted; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Johnson: Ministers in the Department regularly attend committees and the European Parliament in the course of official business. It is not possible to provide the more detailed information requested without incurring disproportionate cost.

Correspondence

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will reply to the letter of 21 November 2006 from the hon. Member for Leeds, North West about the collection of biometric data in schools.

Jim Knight: holding answer 18 December 2006
	The Department has no record of the hon. Member's letter dated 21 November on biometric data in schools. However, on 12 December, the Department responded to his letter dated 14 November, relating to this subject.

Crime: Young People

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent academic studies funded by his Department researched the social and economic backgrounds of perpetrators of youth crime and the influence of social and economic backgrounds on youth crime.

Parmjit Dhanda: Two recent studies (undertaken in the past three years) have explored the risk factors associated with young people's likelihood of becoming involved in crime and antisocial behaviour (these include social and economic factors as well as factors relating to an individual child's psychological and emotional profile, such as cognitive and non-cognitive skills). First:
	Sutton, C., Utting, D., Farrington, D. (2004) eds, 'Support from the Start', DfES Research Report 524. This study looks at the risk factors (for later crime/ASB involvement) potentially encountered at four childhood life stages (pre-natal, 0-two, three-eight and nine-13) and at interventions found to be 'promising' in terms of their effectiveness in counteracting risk;
	and a second, complementary report which looks at practical applications for our knowledge of the risk factors associated with young people's later offending:
	McCarthy, P., Laing, K. and Walker, J. (2004) 'Offenders of the Future? Assessing the Risk of Children and Young People Becoming Involved in Criminal or Antisocial Behaviour', DfES Research Report 545. The report is an evidence based manual designed to assist practitioners in identifying families with children aged between four and 12 who are at risk of becoming involved in criminal or antisocial behaviour and to facilitate effective targeting of interventions that aim to reduce such risk.
	Other relevant research studies are:
	Feinstein, L. and Sabates, R. (2005) 'Education and Youth Crime: Effects of Introducing the Education Maintenance Allowance', DfES Research Brief RCB01-05
	'Positive Activities for Young People' (2006)
	both of which look at the crime-related outcomes associated with DfES programmes.
	Current work includes:
	an academic study (to which the Department contributed a small amount of funding during its initial stage), which involves the academics responsible for the 'Support from the Start' report. These academics are collaborating with a leading academic/practitioner in the field, Dr. Leena Augimeri, to produce risk assessment tools for use by practitioners working with children and young people. This will refine and build on much of the knowledge/guidance derived from the two reports (Sutton  et al, McCarthy  et al) described above;
	two further studies currently being conducted which may be of interest. These are evaluations of preventative programmes (part of the Children's Fund) designed to offset/reduce the likelihood of young people's involvement in crime/ASB by addressing the risk factors associated with these behaviours: the national evaluation of 'On Track, Phase Two', being carried out by the Policy Research Bureau (final, synthetic report due to be published in June 2007); and the evaluation of the 'Youth Inclusion Support Panel' (YISP) pilot being conducted by the University of Newcastle (final report due May 2007).
	Copies of the two published reports can be found on the DfES website:
	www.dfes.gov.uk

Darlington College of Art

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public funding is planned to be made available to Darlington College of Art  (a) if it remains in Darlington and  (b) if it moves to Plymouth, Torbay or Falmouth; whether the college would be eligible for Objective One funding if it moved to Falmouth; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 2 February 2007
	The statutory responsibility for funding individual higher education institutions in England rests with the Higher Education Funding Council for England which uses funding formulae which take no account of the locations mentioned in this Question. The college currently receives core funding through recurrent grant of over £4.1 million a year. On Objective One funding, it is unlikely that any substantive Darlington college project could be funded from the current Objective One programme as this funding is close to being already fully allocated. New EU structural fund programmes are still under development and so it is too early to say whether any project that comes forward would be able to access funding from these future programmes.

Departmental Statistics

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which statistics have been put forward by his Department for consideration to become new national statistics in each of the last five years; and how many statistics sets his Department has produced in total in each of the last five years.

Parmjit Dhanda: The current list of National Statistics produced by the Department for Education and Skills can be found on the National Statistics website at:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/about/ns_ons/nsproducts/default.asp
	A list of changes to the scope of National Statistics (additions and withdrawals) in each of the last five years can be found in the relevant National Statistics annual report available on the National Statistics website at:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=1051
	In addition to National Statistics, the Department for Education and Skills publishes a wide range of other numerical information in a variety of forms including other data produced from the management and administration of the Department and in research reports. There is no consistent definition of the term "statistics sets" and no centrally held information on the total published in each year on this basis.

Education Funding

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was allocated by central Government for education in Gravesham's local authority area in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the level of central Government grant was to local government for education in Tunbridge Wells local authority area in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Jim Knight: holding answer 24 January 2007
	The Gravesham and Tunbridge Wells constituencies fall within the local authority area of Kent and the information supplied is the level of funding which applies to all of Kent. In 2006-07 Kent local authority received a Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation of £718.2 million and revenue grants of £177.4 million—a total of £895.6 million to fund the education of nursery, primary and secondary school aged pupils.
	The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) took responsibility for funding of school sixth forms in April 2002. In 2006/07, the total funding allocation for schools sixth forms in Kent local authority was £79 million.
	The LSC is responsible for funding post-16 education and training more widely and so in addition to the funding for school sixth forms the LSC also funds colleges and other providers to deliver further education and training to young people and adults in the Kent local authority area. This can include funding the local authority itself where it is offering FE provision in line with Government priorities. The Department does not hold information on individual providers' funding allocations. However, funding allocations for 2005/06 can be found at the following link
	http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/lsc/2005/funding/streams/fe-2005-06-allocations-at-26-july.xls
	A hard copy of this document will be placed in the House of Commons Library.

Education Maintenance Allowance: Darlington

Alan Milburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many young people in Darlington received an educational maintenance allowance in each year since the introduction of the allowance.

Phil Hope: This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council, who operate education maintenance allowances for the DfES and hold the information about take-up of the scheme. Mark Haysom, the Council's Chief Executive, has written to the hon. Gentleman with the information requested and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Library.
	 Letter from Mark Haysom, dated 8 February 2007:
	I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Question that asked; "How many young people in Darlington have received an educational maintenance allowance in each year since the introduction of the allowance."
	The following table shows education maintenance allowance (EMA) take-up for Darlington local authority area during each academic year since the introduction of the allowance. EMA take-up is defined as young people who have received one or more EMA payments in the academic year.
	
		
			   Number 
			 2004/05 494 
			 2005/06 965 
			 2006/07 to end January 1174 
		
	
	I hope you find this information useful.

Education Maintenance Allowance: Hendon

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students in Hendon receive education maintenance allowance; and what assessment he has made of the impact education maintenance allowance has had on school staying-on rates in Hendon.

Phil Hope: Information on the number of young people who have applied, enrolled and received Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is available at local authority level, but not at constituency level. By the end of December 2006, 2,483 young people in Barnet local authority had applied, enrolled and received one or more EMA payment during the academic year 2006-07.
	The impact of EMA on participation in full time education by 16 to 18-year-olds is not available by constituency. Recent national participation figures(1) show an increase of 4.5 percentage points over the past two years for 16-year-olds in full-time education. While it is not possible to say that all of the increase was due to EMA, this was one of the most important initiatives aimed at increasing participation.
	(1 )SFR (June 2006), Participation in Education. Training & Employment by 16-18 Year Olds in England 2004 and 2005 DfES, SFR 21/2006
	EMA has been particularly effective in engaging some of our most vulnerable young people such as teenage parents and those who for no fault of their own are estranged from their families. EMA has its biggest impact where it is most needed—among those from less well off households, those from an ethnic minority background and among boys, closing the gender gap.

Education: Barnet

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what funding was made available to Barnet College in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: I can confirm the funding allocations that Barnet College received from the Learning and Skills Council in each year from 2002-03 to 2006-07 are as listed in the following tables. For 2006-07 Barnet College is also a member of two successful consortiums which tendered for Train to Gain, our new national programme of workplace training for adults. The additional funding Barnet College will receive from these contracts is currently under negotiation. The total value of the Train to Gain contracts in which Barnet College has a stake are, for the consortium led by Four Counties Training £850,348, and for the consortium led by the College of North East London £284,148.
	
		
			  Barnet College — Funding received from Learning and Skills Council 2002/03 to 2006/07 
			   2002/03 actual funding (£)  2003/04 actual funding (£)  Difference in funding 2003/04 from 2002/03 (£)  2004/05 actual funding (£)  Difference in funding 2004/05 from 2003/04 (£) 
			 Further education 21,328,022 24,514,000 +3,185,978 26,321,000 +1,807,000 
			(+14.9%)  (+7.3%) 
			   
			 Adult and community learning n/a n/a n/a 555,936 n/a 
			   
			 Work based learning n/a n/a n/a 200,219 n/a 
			   
			 Total 21,328,022 24,514,000 +3,185,978 27,077,155 +2,563,155 
			(+14.9%)  (+10.5%) 
		
	
	
		
			   2005/06 actual funding (£)  Difference in funding 2005/06 from 2004/05 (£)  2006/07 planned funding (£)  Difference in funding 2006/07 from 2005/06 (£) 
			 Further education 27,492,523 +1,171,523 27,851,234 +88,711 
			   (+4.5%)  (+0.3%) 
			  
			 Adult and community learning 532,883 -23,053 527,980 -4,903 
			   (-4.1%)  (-0.9%) 
			  
			 Work based learning 193,924 -6,295 (1)50,472 -143,452 
			   (-3.1%)  (-74%) 
			  
			 Total 28,219,.330 1,142,175 28,429,686 +210,356 
			   (+4.2%)  (+0.7%) 
			 (1) After a review the College has decided to stop offering work based learning provision. It has only 21 students enrolled for 2006/07 all of whom are completing their course.

Electronic Learning Credits

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what restrictions there are on the spending of Electronic Learning Credits awarded to schools.

Jim Knight: The DfES provides schools with detailed guidance on the use of Electronic Learning Credits (eLCs), including details of restrictions on the use of this funding.
	This guidance is highlighted as part of the general funding circular to schools and is displayed on the Curriculum Online website:
	http://www.curriculumonline.gov.uk/Helpdesk/Helpdesk+page.htm#tobuy
	The information is available in the House of Commons Library.

Emissions Reduction and Recycling

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what Government funding is available to help schools take part in  (a) energy saving schemes to reduce their carbon footprint and  (b) initiatives to increase the amount of waste they recycle.

Jim Knight: In November 2006, local authorities were offered advance capital funding totalling £375 million, and are encouraged to invest this funding in measures to improve sustainability, with a strong focus on energy and water efficiency. Further funding for specific measures are available from numerous other sources, including joint DfES/DfT investment in sustainable school travel, and grant funding for renewable energy within the DTI's low carbon buildings programme.

Ethnicity: Schools

Stephen Byers: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of pupils at each secondary school in each local education authority in  (a) London,  (b) Birmingham,  (c) Leicester,  (d) Derby,  (e) Nottingham,  (f) Bradford,  (g) Slough,  (h) Bolton,  (i) Rochdale,  (j) Luton,  (k) Bristol and  (l) Blackburn and Darwen are (i) white British, (ii) black Caribbean, (iii) black African, (iv) Indian, (v) Pakistani and (vi) Bangladeshi.

Jim Knight: holding answer 30 January 2007
	The information requested has been placed in the House Library.

Families: Kent

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  if he will take steps to ensure that the children's family centres in the most deprived areas in Kent receive proportionally more funding from 2008 onwards;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the annual running costs of each children's family centre in Kent from April 2008.

Beverley Hughes: Our guidance for local authorities on planning and delivering Sure Start Children's Centres makes it clear that the most intensive support should be available for the most disadvantaged families. For the period 2006-08 we allocated funding to local authorities based on numbers of children under five and levels of deprivation. Local authorities have responsibility for allocating that funding to children's centres in their area; securing value for money; and ensuring the overall quality of services in children's centres. We have appointed the "Together for Children" consortium who will support and challenge local authorities to plan a suitable range of services at each centre. The Government are undertaking a comprehensive spending review and decisions on funding for Sure Start Children's Centres beyond March 2008 will be taken in that context.

Further Education Funding

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total funding has been for further education colleges from his Department in each of the last 10 years; and what percentage of total departmental expenditure each figure represents.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 2 February 2007
	We have increased funding for further education providers by 48 per cent. in real terms between 1997-98 and 2005-06. The following table shows the total spend on FE providers, including colleges, between 1997-98 and 2005-06 and the proportion this represents of the total departmental expenditure including local government formula education spending. Figures for the current 2006-07 academic year will not be available until later in the year.
	
		
			  FE spend as a proportion of departmental spend 
			   Total FE spend (£ million)  FE spend as a proportion of total departmental spend (Percentage) 
			 1997-98 3,131 9 
			 1998-99 3,101 9 
			 1999-2000 3,300 9 
			 2000-01 3,471 9 
			 2001-02 (1)4,102 9 
			 2002-03 4,400 9 
			 2003-04 4,788 9 
			 2004-05 5,081 9 
			 2005-06 (2)5,590 9 
			 (1 )There was a significant increase in funding allocated to colleges in 2001-02 (the year in which the LSC was created) compared to 2000-01. This was due to a combination of factors: an increase in full-time equivalent learner volumes compared to previous years, a small increase in non-participation funds allocated to colleges, and a larger increase in capital investment in colleges.  (2) Based on estimated outturn.   Source:  FE expenditure figures from 2001-02 are taken from Table 8.6 of the 2006 Departmental Report. Departmental expenditure figures are taken from Table 8.1 of the 2006 Departmental Report.

Further Education: Coventry

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many  (a) young people and  (b) adults participated in further education in Coventry in each year since 1992.

Bill Rammell: Figures for those participating in further education (FE) funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) can be derived from the Individualised Learner Record (ILR). The FE ILR was collated for the first time in 2002/03 and figures are given from that time. The following table shows the total number of learners aged under 19, and 19 and over, in FE in Coventry local authority since 2002/03 based on home post code of the learner. Earlier, consistent figures are not available at a local level.
	
		
			   Under 19  19 and over  Total 
			 2002/03 3,652 24,183 27,835 
			 2003/04 3,550 24,487 28,037 
			 2004/05 3,797 24,923 28,720 
			 2005/06 4.036 22,216 26,252

Further Education: Darlington

Alan Milburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many  (a) young people and  (b) adults participated in further education in Darlington in each year since 1992.

Bill Rammell: Figures for those participating in further education (FE) funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) can be derived from the Individualised Learner Record (ILR). The FE ILR was collated for the first time in 2002-03 and figures are given from that time. The following table shows the total number of learners aged under 19, and 19 and over in FE in Darlington local authority since 2002-03 based on home post code of the learner. Earlier, consistent figures are not available at a local level.
	
		
			   Young people  Adults  Total 
			 2002-03 1,780 7,250 9,030 
			 2003-04 1,920 7,410 9,340 
			 2004-05 1,960 8,160 10,110 
			 2005-06 2,000 5,500 7,500 
			  Note: Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

Further Education: Residential Specialist

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many residential specialist further education colleges for individuals with disabilities  (a) opened and  (b) closed in each year since 1997.

Bill Rammell: There have been no establishments meeting the above criteria opened or closed since 1997.

Further Education: Residential Specialist

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many residential specialist further education colleges for individuals with disabilities are funded by the Learning and Skills Council.

Bill Rammell: We are committed to ensuring that all learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities have access to suitable provision. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has a duty to provide for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities which can include, where appropriate, the provision of boarding accommodation.
	The LSC currently funds 65 specialist colleges to provide residential accommodation for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. LSC investment in this provision has increased significantly in recent years. In 2001-02 the LSC spent £65 million on this provision and this increased to £126 million in 2004-05. Investment in this provision is set to continue to rise to £181 million by 2007-08.

General Certificate of Secondary Education

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pupils in England were entered for at least one GCSE in 2006; and how many and what percentage of those were entered for GCSE History.

Jim Knight: holding answer 6 February 2007
	628,700 pupils in England at the end of Key Stage 4 were entered for at least one GCSE in 2006; and, of these 208,100 (33.1 per cent.) were entered for GCSE History(1, 2, 3)
	(1) One attempt only is counted—that which achieved the highest grade.
	(2 )Pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 in the 2005/06 academic year.
	(3) Includes attempts and achievements by these pupils in previous academic years.

General Certificate of Secondary Education: Standards

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what proportion of children received five A* to C GCSE grades in each year since 1996, not including  (a) GNVQs and  (b) other qualifications previously included as equivalent to GCSEs.

Jim Knight: holding answer 6 February 2007
	The following table shows the number and percentage of 15-year-old pupils(1) who obtained five or more grades A*-C at GCSE only(2) and GCSE and equivalent(3) (excluding GNVQs).
	(1) Pupils aged 15 at the beginning of the academic year i.e. 31 August.
	(2) Includes full GCSEs and GCSE short courses.
	(3) These other qualifications are not the same as GCSEs. Not all approved qualifications are exactly the same, but they can be measured and accredited on a common scale, which gives point scores according to their different challenges and different breadth. The value of a qualification will depend entirely on the young person's needs and aspirations and the context for their learning.
	
		
			   GCSE only( 1)  Excluding GNVQ  GCSE and all equivalents 
			   Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage  Percentage 
			 1996 264,498 44.5 — — 44.5 
			 1997 264,288 45.0 — — 45.1 
			 1998 265,358 46.1 — — 46.3 
			 1999 276,884 47.7 — — 47.9 
			 2000 283,430 48.8 — — 49.2 
			 2001 298,041 49.4 — — 50.0 
			 2002 304,403 50.2 — — 51.6 
			 2003 310,814 50.0 — — 52.9 
			 2004 328,197 51.0 329,879 51.3 53.7 
			 2005 331,185 52.0 336,630 52.8 56.3 
			 2006 340,357 52.4 353,674 54.5 58.5 
			 (1) Includes full GCSEs and GCSE short courses. 
		
	
	Since 2004 the secondary (key stage 4) tables have reported results of GCSEs and equivalences. Equivalences are the full range of qualifications approved for use under section 96 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000. Prior to 2004, GNVQs were the only equivalent qualifications that were reported.

Health Education: Drugs

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how much his Department has spent on drugs and alcohol education in schools in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how much his Department spent on commissioning Drugscope to produce its guidance on drugs and alcohol education.

Parmjit Dhanda: Since April 2004, it has been for schools and local authorities to decide on the level of funding to support drug and alcohol education in schools taking account of local priorities. In the two financial years prior to April 2004, total Department funding allocated to local education authorities to support drug and alcohol education and prevention in all schools in England was as follows:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2002-03 15.2 
			 2003-04 14.3 
		
	
	Total funding for Drugscope in relation to the production of "Drugs: Guidance for Schools" (DfES, 2004) was £24,000.

Higher Education: Admissions

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many applicants applied to  (a) Oxford,  (b) Cambridge and  (c) another Russell Group University, broken down by secondary school in 2005-06.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 5 February 2007
	The available information is shown in the table. The figures relate to applicants to full-time undergraduate courses from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). My Department does not hold information on the secondary school attended by these applicants.
	
		
			  UK domiciled applicants to full-time undergraduate courses at UK higher education institutions academic year 2005/06 
			   Number of applications( 1)  Number of acceptances( 2) 
			 Oxford University 10,426 2,850 
			 University of Cambridge 11,072 2,871 
			 Other Russell Group institutions 483,004 63,847 
			 (1) Students are counted up to six times because they can make up to 6 applications (4 in the case of medicine and dentistry) (2) Students are counted once as accepted applicants.  Source: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

Industrial Training: Trade Competitiveness

Adrian Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he is taking to develop skills to make the economy of the UK more competitive; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Hope: The Government's Skills Strategy was set out in the 2005 White Paper "Skills: Getting on in business, getting on at work" and the 2006 White Paper "Further Education: Raising Skills, Improving Life Chances". It is designed to reform the supply of skills; to ensure we deliver economically valuable qualifications and skills which will enhance the UK's productivity and to raise demand for skills from employers and individuals. We have made good progress towards our skills PSA targets. Since the end of 2001, over 1.4 million learners have achieved first "Skills for Life" qualifications and there are 1.6 million more adults in the work force with level 2 or higher qualifications. The number of apprenticeships has risen from 76,000 in 1997 to 256,000 in 2006. Lord Leitch's final report "Prosperity for all in the global economy—world class skills" (December 2006) gave a clear analysis of the future skills needs of the UK. We have welcomed the report's ambitions and recommendations, and will publish an implementation plan to take forward this agenda in the context of the comprehensive spending review settlement.

London Academy

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the academic results of the London Academy, Edgware, since it became a city academy; what the total  (a) Government and  (b) private sector expenditure has been on the Academy; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: Ofsted reported last year, following its inspection, that the London Academy has transformed the life chances of children and young people from some of the most socially deprived wards in the country. About 50 per cent. of pupils are entitled to free school meals, well over one-third have a language other than English and a similar percentage have a special educational need, yet the achievement of pupils by the end of each key stage places this academy in the top 5 per cent. of schools nationally. Using the Department's new value-added measure, in 2006 London Academy students made much better than average progress between the ages of 11 to 16.
	In terms of expenditure to date on this academy:
	 (a) £29,758,939 has been spent by the Government on the construction of the new academy building, and the final cost is currently being negotiated with the contractor. £18,756,688 has been spent on the academy's running costs. This covers the financial years between 2001-02 and 2006-07 inclusive. Academy funding is directly comparable with that of local authority schools of the same size in the same areas.
	 (b) £1,490,050 has been spent by the academy sponsor, Peter Shalson, on the construction of the new building. The remaining £9,950 of agreed sponsorship will be paid before the final account is settled.

Looked-after Children

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2007,  Official Report, column 218-9W, on looked-after children, if he will commission research to identify how many crisis or emergency accommodation places  (a) in (i) family-based and (ii) care homes and  (b) with other providers there are in England.

Parmjit Dhanda: We have no plans at present to commission any new research. We are already considering the issue of refuge and emergency accommodation through other work with the Children's Society, Barnardo's, and London Refuge and we will consider the need for further research after reviewing the outcome of that work.

Nurseries: Barnet

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what additional funds have been made available to Barnet Local Education Authority to extend free part-time nursery education to 38 weeks a year; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: In 2006-07 Barnet received £569,000 as part of its Dedicated Schools Grants (DSG) to support the costs of increasing the early years free education offer from 33 to 38 weeks. Nationally £82.235 million was allocated to support the extension of this free entitlement.

Playing for Success Initiative

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on recent developments in the uptake and sectoral extension of the Playing for Success initiative.

Jim Knight: 154 sports clubs and venues are now signed up to "Playing for Success (PfS)". 108 centres are fully operational and we are on track to exceed our target of 150 centres open by 2008. Starting just under 10 years ago in three premiership football clubs, 15 sports are now represented, including cricket, rugby, water-sports and basketball. The most recent extension, in 2005, brought in 50 new "PfS" centres, covering nine new sports across 12 local authorities and included Cheltenham Racecourse, Sale Harriers Athletics and the Silverstone Motor Racing circuit. There will also be a centre at the new Wembley Stadium.
	Four successive evaluation studies, undertaken by the National Foundation for Educational Research, found significant improvements in literacy, numeracy, ICT skills and motivation to learn among pupils attending centres. Over 180,000 students have benefited from "PfS" since it began, and a further 60,000 students are expected to benefit each year once all centres are open.
	I will place a full list of the 154 centres and their sports into the House Library.

Pre School Education: Hendon

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what progress is being made in Hendon in establishing Sure Start and Children's Centres; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what expenditure his Department has made on Sure Start and Children's Centres in Hendon; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: Both of Barnet council's designated Sure Start children's centres are located in the Hendon constituency—Parkfield Community School and children's centre, and Wingfield. These centres are offering a full range of services including health and family support, full day care integrated with early learning and links with Job Centre Plus. Barnet council is planning to open a further four children's centres in the Hendon constituency by March 2008 as part of phase 2 of the programme.
	Barnet council has spent a total of £1.15 million in Sure Start capital funding to date to develop Parkfield and Wingfield children's centres. Between 2003 and 2007 a total of £2.57 million in revenue funding has been allocated to Sure Start developments in the Hendon constituency, the majority of which has funded the Underhill and West Hendon Sure Start Local Programme which has now evolved into Parkfield Community School and children's centre.
	In addition, Barnet council has been allocated a total of £11.64 million in revenue and £6.61 million in capital between April 2005 and March 2008 through the General Sure Start Grant to support the delivery of our 10 year strategy for child care. Barnet council has the flexibility to decide how much of this funding is allocated to the 15 children's centre projects it is planning to develop before March 2008.

Religious Education

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills at what age children are expected to understand the basic tenets of religion.

Jim Knight: There is no commonly-understood definition in Religious Education (RE) of what the "basic tenets of religion" means. RE syllabuses for non-denominational schools are set at local authority level by Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education (SACREs) so each local authority has an individual and distinct RE syllabus. Denominational schools set their own RE syllabus in accordance with the trust deed of the school. In order to bring consistency and an agreed set of standards to RE syllabuses, the Secretary of State launched the non-statutory National Framework for Religious Education in 2004. The Framework was agreed by all the major religious communities and professional RE associations. The standards set out in the Framework are currently informing the reviews of local agreed syllabuses around the country and the shaping of RE programmes in faith schools. It also contained level descriptions for attainment targets against which pupil knowledge, skills and understanding can be assessed. The Framework, including the level descriptions for attainment targets, can be found in the Library and on the RE section of the National Curriculum online website www.nc.uk.net.

School Meals: Concessions

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will rank English local education authorities' by the percentage of children entitled to receive free school meals.

Parmjit Dhanda: The information requested has been placed in the Library.

Schools Absence Strategy

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 22 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1486W, on schools, how many of the 370 targeted schools reached their absence targets for the year in which they were being assessed; and what the average ultimate reduction percentage in absenteeism of these targets was in the relevant period.

Jim Knight: Of the 370 secondary schools identified as having high levels of absence, 158 met their 2005/06 targets as agreed with their local authorities in April 2005.
	The overall absence rate for the 370 schools, as a group, was 10.27 per cent. in 2004/05, and fell to 9.80 per cent. in 2005/06.

Schools: Cricket

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many state schools in England and Wales have an established relationship with a cricket club.

Jim Knight: As part of the National School Sport Strategy, the annual school sport survey collects data relating to provision and take up of PE and school sport from schools in School Sport Partnerships. The 2005/06 survey found that 52 per cent. of schools in England have a formal link with an accredited cricket club. Data is not collected from schools in Wales. Copies of the results of the survey is available in the House Library.

Schools: Hendon

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools in Hendon provide fruit to their pupils each day.

Caroline Flint: I have been asked to reply.
	There are seven schools and 1,300 pupils participating in the school fruit and vegetable scheme in Hendon.

Schools: Hendon

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the baseline Dedicated Schools Grant is for schools in Hendon; what the most recent figure is; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: Mainstream school funding is provided through the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) which set local authorities allocations for 2006-07 and 2007-08: it is up to local authorities—in consultation with their School Forums—to distribute the DSG to the schools they maintain.
	The allocations for 2007-08 will depend on pupil numbers in schools in January 2007 and the guaranteed unit of funding per pupil set in December 2005. Barnet's DSG allocation for 2006-07 is £173.792 million or £4,081 per pupil (a 6.6 per cent. increase per pupil). Barnet's guaranteed unit of funding for 2007-08 is £4,344 (a 6.4 per cent. increase per pupil).
	The guaranteed unit of funding per pupil was set in December 2005 to provide authorities with predictability and stability over a multi year period; local authorities were fully consulted as part of this process. I am therefore not planning discussions with individual local authorities on their DSG allocations for 2007-08.

Schools: Hendon

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of 14-year-olds in Hendon reached the required standard in English and mathematics in  (a) 1997 and  (b) 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The information requested is as follows:
	
		
			  Hendon 
			   Percentage of pupils achieving level 5 or above at key stage 3 
			  English  
			 1997 69 
			 2005 84 
			 2006 — 
			   
			  Maths  
			 1997 65 
			 2005 81 
			 2006 — 
		
	
	Figures for Hendon for English and mathematics in 2006 are currently unavailable at parliamentary constituency level. When these figures are available they can be found on the DfES statistics website.

Secondary Education: Castle Point

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many  (a) applications there were for and  (b) places there were at each secondary school in Castle Point in each of the last three years.

Jim Knight: Information on the number of applications made for secondary school places is not collected centrally. The number of places available in each secondary school in Castle Point in each of the last three years is set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Secondary schools 
			   Number of pupil places 
			  School name  2004  2005  2006 
			 Castle View School 900 904 904 
			 Furtherwick Park School 1,124 1,124 1,124 
			 The Appleton School 1,200 1,200 1,200 
			 The Cornelius Vermuyden School and Arts College 900 900 900 
			 The Deanes School 1,053 1,053 1,120 
			 The King John School 1,816 1,844 1,850 
			 Total 6,993 7,025 7,098

Secondary Education: Standards

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department is taking to raise standards in secondary schools.

Jim Knight: The "Five Year Strategy for Children and Learners: Maintaining the Excellent Progress" includes an overview of the key activities we are undertaking to raise standards in Secondary Schools, and the 2005 Schools White Paper—"Higher Standards, Better Schools for All"—sets out our vision for raising standards in Schools. I would also refer the hon. Member to the annual departmental report. Some key facts are summarised as follows:
	In 2006, 85,000 more pupils obtained five or more GCSEs at A*-C than in 1997.
	Spending per pupil since 1997 has doubled, and there are now 36,000 more teachers and 150,000 more support staff.
	Since 1997, there has been a 15 percentage point increase in the number of 14-year-old pupils achieving level 5 or above in English, a 17 percentage point increase in mathematics and a 12 percentage point increase in science at Key Stage 3.
	Through the Building Schools for the Future programme we are investing £17.5 billion in schools capital between 2005-08, enabling most secondary schools to be refurbished or rebuilt.
	More than 2,600 secondary schools—85 per cent. of the total—have specialist school status and we are on track to achieve the target of every school achieving specialist status by next year. 70 schools are already working towards trust school status, enabling them to work with external partners to create a distinctive ethos and direction for their school, and we have over 100 academies open or in the pipeline in some of the most challenging parts of the country.
	There is more work still to do. In recent years, the number of children eligible for free school meals achieving five good GCSEs has improved faster than the national average, but we need to do more to tackle some of the gaps between economically disadvantaged pupils and their peers, and between boys and girls.
	The Government are investing over £1 billion between 2005-08 in personalised learning and extended services—including £621 million for secondary schools to help them tailor their teaching and learning to the needs of their pupils, including those who need support to help them catch up and those who have a particular gift or talent.
	The Secondary National Strategy for School Improvement is at the heart of our work to transform secondary education and spreads effective teaching and learning to all schools through training and materials, a comprehensive development programme for teachers, and support from local consultants who are experts in their field.
	The Key Stage 3 Behaviour and Attendance training programme for all secondary school staff involves training materials and resources to ensure consistent and effective policy and practice on behaviour and attendance and offers expert consultancy support to schools across the curriculum.

Sector Skills Councils

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will introduce a common reporting framework for sector skills councils to include  (a) financial information,  (b) governance and key management personnel and  (c) business involvement.

Phil Hope: The Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) is responsible for reporting to Ministers on all aspects of sector skills councils' (SSC) performance.
	The SSDA, in consultation with SSCs, has developed the SSC standard against which individual SSCs are assessed. This includes finance, governance and key management and personnel arrangements. The SSC standard forms part of the overall SSC Performance Management Framework, and engaging with employers in their sector is a key requirement of all SSCs.
	In his recent report "Prosperity for all in the global economy—world class skills" (December 2006) Lord Leitch provided a clear analysis of the future skills needs of the UK and made a series of proposals for change. These would include the reform and re-licensing of sector skills councils. We have welcomed the report and will consider, together with stakeholders and in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review, how to take forward the challenging agenda it sets.

Special Educational Needs

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will rank education authorities in  (a) London and  (b) England by the (i) number and (ii) percentage of pupils with special educational needs but without statements; and if he will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: The requested information has been placed in the Library.

Students: North East Region

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of children leaving full-time education in  (a) Gateshead East and Washington West and  (b) Tyne and Wear went on to a place at university in 2006.

Bill Rammell: The latest available information is shown in the table. Information for 2006/07 will be available from January 2008.
	
		
			  Entrants( 1)  to undergraduate courses at all UK higher education institutions for the  academic year 2005/06 
			  Domicile of student  Number 
			 Gateshead East and Washington West Parliamentary Constituency 835 
			 Tyne and Wear 12,990 
			 (1 )Covers all entrants to undergraduate courses from schools, further education colleges and other types of education institutions.  Note:  Figures are on a HESA Standard Registration Population basis and are rounded to the nearest 5.  Source:  Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Students: Wales

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students from  (a) Wrexham and  (b) Wales attended universities in England as undergraduates in each of the last five years.

Bill Rammell: The latest available information is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Entrants to undergraduate courses at all English higher education institutions for the academic years 2001/02 to 2005/06 
			  cademic year  Number of entrants from Wales  Of which:  Wrexham parliamentary constituency 
			 2001/02 9,970 280 
			 2002/03 9,785 265 
			 2003/04 10,230 290 
			 2004/05 9,690 285 
			 2005/06 10,645 315 
			  Note:  Figures are on a HESA Standard Registration Population basis and are rounded to the nearest 5.  Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Teachers' TV

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 22 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1488W, on consultants, what the total cost was of hiring the consultants to whom he refers; and what the estimated number of regular viewers of Teachers' TV was in 2006.

Jim Knight: Teachers' TV aims to help raise standards in classrooms by helping to share good practice, support continuing professional development, offer classroom resources, and provide education news and information. The channel's target audience includes teachers, school leaders, teaching assistants and school governors.
	Two individual consultants were used by Teachers' TV on specialist projects during 2006. They provided a total of 35 days' input to the channel at a cost of £12,250.
	Viewing of the channel among the schools work force is measured by an independent market research company, Ipsos MORI. The results of their study for the school year which ended on 31 July 2006 show that Teachers' TV was viewed by an average of 94,000 members of the schools work force each month.

Unauthorised Absences

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many unauthorised absences were recorded at  (a) primary and  (b) secondary schools in each local education authority in each year from 1997 to 2006.

Jim Knight: A table containing the figures requested has been placed in the House Library.
	Unauthorised absence is absence without leave from a teacher or other authorised representative of the school. This includes all unexplained or unjustified absences, such as lateness, holidays during term time not authorised by the school, absence where reason is not yet established and truancy.

Unauthorised Absences

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many unauthorised absences from schools in  (a) Eastbourne and  (b) East Sussex there were in each year since 1997.

Jim Knight: The percentage of half days missed due to unauthorised absence in Eastbourne parliamentary constituency and East Sussex local authority in each year since 1997 are shown as follows.
	
		
			  Percentage of half days missed in maintained primary schools( 1)  due to unauthorised absence( 2,3) 
			   Eastbourne  East Sussex  England 
			 1997/98 0.5 0.4 0.50 
			 1998/99 0.6 0.4 0.49 
			 1999/2000 0.5 0.4 0.47 
			 2000/01 0.6 0.5 0.49 
			 2001/02 0.6 0.37 0.45 
			 2002/03 0.6 0.41 0.43 
			 2003/04 0.8 0.53 0.41 
			 2004/05 0.8 0.77 0.43 
			 2005/06 0.7 0.72 0.46 
		
	
	
		
			  Percentage of half days missed in maintained secondary schools( 1)  due to unauthorised absence( 2,3) 
			   Eastbourne  East Sussex  England 
			 1997/98 0.8 1.3 1.10 
			 1998/99 0.9 1.1 1.07 
			 1999/2000 1.1 1.2 1.04 
			 2000/01 1.2 1.2 1.07 
			 2001/02 1.2 1.41 1.09 
			 2002/03 2.0 1.35 1.07 
			 2003/04 2.2 1.41 1.13 
			 2004/05 1.7 1.34 1.23 
			 2005/06 1.6 1.38 1.20 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Due to local government reorganisation, regional figures are not available prior to 1998. (3) Figures for Eastbourne are available to one decimal place. Figures for East Sussex local authority are available to one decimal place prior to 2001/02 and two decimal places from 2001/02 onwards. 
		
	
	Unauthorised absence is absence without leave from a teacher or other authorised representative of the school. This includes all unexplained or unjustified absences, such as lateness, holidays during term time not authorised by the school, absence where reason is not yet established and truancy.

Unauthorised Absences

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many unauthorised absences from schools in  (a) Chorley and  (b) Lancashire there were in each year since 1997.

Jim Knight: The percentage of half days missed due to unauthorised absence in Chorley parliamentary constituency and Lancashire local authority in each year since 1997 are shown as follows.
	
		
			  Percentage of half days missed in maintained primary schools( 1)  due to unauthorised absence( 2,3) 
			   Chorley  Lancashire  England 
			 1997/98 0.2 0.3 0.50 
			 1998/99 0.2 0.4 0.49 
			 1999/2000 0.2 0.4 0.47 
			 2000/01 0.2 0.3 0.49 
			 2001/02 0.3 0.34 0.45 
			 2002/03 0.2 0.31 0.43 
			 2003/04 0.2 0.32 0.41 
			 2004/05 0.2 0.34 0.43 
			 2005/06 0.3 0.35 0.45 
		
	
	
		
			  Percentage of half days missed in maintained secondary schools( 1)  due to unauthorised absence( 2,3) 
			   Chorley  Lancashire  England 
			 1997/98 0.5 0.8 1.10 
			 1998/99 0.6 0.9 1.07 
			 1999/2000 0.5 0.8 1.04 
			 2000/01 0.6 0.8 1.07 
			 2001/02 0.5 0.82 1.09 
			 2002/03 0.5 0.82 1.07 
			 2003/04 0.5 0.88 1.13 
			 2004/05 0.5 0.93 1.23 
			 2005/06 0.6 0.94 1.20 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Due to local government reorganisation, regional figures are not available prior to 1998. (3) Figures for Chorley are available to one decimal place. Figures for Lancashire local authority are available to one decimal place prior to 2001/02 and two decimal places from 2001/02 onwards. 
		
	
	Unauthorised absence is absence without leave from a teacher or other authorised representative of the school. This includes all unexplained or unjustified absences, such as lateness, holidays during term time not authorised by the school, absence where reason is not yet established and truancy.

Vocational Training

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken to involve further education colleges in providing vocational skills to secondary school pupils.

Phil Hope: The Increased Flexibility programme has created approximately 290 partnerships of further education (FE) colleges, schools and other agents that provide enhanced vocational and work-related learning opportunities for local 14 to 16-years-olds. FE colleges also play a key role in the delivery of the Young Apprenticeship programme, enabling 14 to 16-year-olds to pursue industry-specific vocational programmes and qualifications outside school. FE colleges will be delivering diplomas, most often as part of consortiums involving schools and employers, from September 2008. Colleges have been recognised as key stakeholders and are represented as members of the Diploma Development Partnerships.

Wireless Networking

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what consultations he has undertaken on the use of wireless networking in west Lancashire schools; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Lynne Featherstone) on 23 January 2007,  Official Report, columns 1665-66W.

Youth Opportunity Cards: Sunderland

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken towards implementing youth opportunity cards in Sunderland; and when their launch is expected.

Beverley Hughes: Sunderland is one of 10 local authorities who have volunteered and been accepted for piloting the youth opportunity card. The pilot authorities are making an invaluable contribution to the detailed design of the delivery arrangements for the card. In particular they have each seconded a member of staff to work part-time with the youth opportunity card team in my Department. A project of this nature is complex as well as ambitious and it is important that we get it right. There are important aspects to the project that we are still working through. I expect to be in a position shortly to make an announcement.

PRIME MINISTER

Asylum Seekers

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister what his tipping point target is for deportation of failed asylum seekers; and when the target was announced.

Tony Blair: The tipping point target, which I announced in September 2004, is to remove more failed asylum seekers each month than the number of new anticipated unfounded applications that month.
	The most recent published statistics show that the Home Office met the target in the first nine months of 2006, removing around 700 more failed asylum seekers than the number making unfounded claims.

Departments: Termination of Employment

Oliver Heald: To ask the Prime Minister whether his Office undertakes employee exit interviews.

Tony Blair: .

Honours

Harry Cohen: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those who have been stripped of an honour previously bestowed upon them; and what the reason was in each case.

Tony Blair: The names of people who have forfeited their honour are published in the  London Gazette, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

Correspondence

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Prime Minister when he will respond to the letter of 3 February 2007 to him from Meeting for Sufferings, on the proposed replacement of the Trident nuclear weapons system.

Tony Blair: As far as I am aware, my Office has not received the letter.

Members: Surveillance

Oliver Heald: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  whether the Wilson Doctrine applies to postal interception by the security services;
	(2)  whether the Wilson Doctrine applies to surveillance by foreign states or foreign security services, which operate with the permission and knowledge of the UK Government.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 1 February 2007,  Official Report, column 464W, and my written ministerial statement of 30 March 2006,  Official Report, column 95WS.

Minimum Wage: India

Roger Gale: To ask the Prime Minister whether he discussed the application and enforcement of minimum wage legislation in India during his meeting with Shilpa Shetty at the House of Commons on 7 February.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the press briefing given by my official spokesman on 7 February 2007. A transcript of this is available on the No. 10 website (http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page10931.asp) and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House.

Ministerial Policy Advisers: Public Appointments

Oliver Heald: To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions he has terminated the employment of special advisers by withdrawing consent to their appointment.

Tony Blair: Since 2003, the Government have published on an annual basis the names and overall cost of special advisers and the number in each payband. I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement I made on 24 July 2006,  Official Report, columns 86-91WS. Information on the number of special advisers before 2003 was provided at regular intervals. This information is available in the Libraries of the House.
	Information on special advisers for 2006-07 will be published in the normal way once it has been completed.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Ministerial Responsibilities

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which area of his responsibilities takes up most of his time in any working week.

John Prescott: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1665W.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Afghanistan: Overseas Aid

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 8 February 2007,  Official Report, column 1070W, on Afghanistan: overseas aid, when the last audited statements were presented to his Department by the Ministry of Finance; and whether they are publicly available.

Hilary Benn: The last audit of the ARTF account was carried out on 30 June 2006 by the international accounting firm, Deloitte. The review was conducted in accordance with the standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. DFID received the last audited statement in January 2007. In the interest of their relationship with the Government of Afghanistan, the World Bank has asked that the accounts not be shared with the public. However, the conclusion of the audit was that
	"the bank maintained effective internal control over financial reporting of trust fund activities".

Afghanistan: Overseas Aid

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 8 February 2007,  Official Report, column 1070W, on "Afghanistan: overseas aid", how the £50 million unearmarked support to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund has been spent by that fund, broken down by main items of expenditure.

Hilary Benn: DFID's unearmarked £50 million support, along with the resources of other contributing donors, are managed by the World Bank in a pooled trust fund which reimburses Government for any expenditures that meet certain eligibility criteria. This puts the government of Afghanistan in the lead, in setting and implementing its development priorities. As these resources are pooled, specific expenditures cannot, by definition, be ascribed to any one donor.
	The ARTF is split into two windows, the recurrent window (which meets the essential recurrent costs of the Government) and the investment window (which provides financing for development activities under Government National Priority Programmes). This year $280 million of donor contributions were allocated to the recurrent window. Of these resources, 69 per cent. of expenditures were spent on salaries (predominantly for teachers), 6 per cent. on pensions and the remaining 25 per cent. on operations and maintenance costs (e.g. fuel and electricity for Ministries). Split by Ministry, the largest share (39 per cent.) went to the Ministry of Education. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Public Health, Labour and Social Affairs, Higher Education and Martyrs and Disabled all received approximately 5 per cent. each with other Ministries also receiving smaller sums.
	The remaining $120 million, including DFID's earmarked £5 million for each of the National Solidarity Programme (NSP) and Microfinance Investment Service Facility Afghanistan (MISFA), was allocated to the following 11 national priority programmes through the investment window:
	Technical Assistance Feasibility Studies
	National Emergency Employment Program
	Microfinance Program
	Telecom and Microwave Link
	Kabul Power Supply
	National Solidarity Program
	Civil Service Capacity Building
	Rehabilitation of Naghlu Hydropower Plant
	Urban Water Supply and Sanitation
	Education Quality Improvement
	Rural Water Supply and Sanitation
	More detailed information will be available in the latest ARTF quarterly report which we will place in the House of Commons Library when we receive it next week.

Afghanistan: Overseas Aid

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 8 February 2007,  Official Report, column 1070W, on "Afghanistan: overseas aid", whether members of community development councils are remunerated.

Hilary Benn: Members of community development councils are not remunerated.

Afghanistan: Overseas Aid

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 8 February 2007,  Official Report, column 1070W, on "Afghanistan: overseas aid", what assessment his Department has made of the impact on the water table in Helmand province as a result of the digging of the  (a) 150 wells dug to date and  (b) further 150 wells to be dug.

Hilary Benn: DFID included a Helmand water table assessment in its programme design. We had originally sourced an Italian NGO to undertake this assessment; however they are no longer working in Afghanistan. DFID is currently in negotiations with a Danish NGO, DACAAR, the largest water and sanitation non-governmental organisation in Afghanistan, to oversee an assessment of the well construction which will include the impact on the water table.

Commonwealth Education Fund

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the  (a) past work and  (b) future of the Commonwealth Education Fund.

Gareth Thomas: The Commonwealth Education Fund, launched in 2002, has sought to increase access to primary education in Commonwealth (CEF) developing countries and has focused attention on the vital role of civil society in helping achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Its strength lies in its catalyst role galvanising civil society organisations to participate in planning and monitoring national Education for All plans and the education component of PRSPs (poverty reduction strategies). It also supports innovative ways to ensure all children—including the most vulnerable such as AIDS orphans and socially excluded groups—are able to go to school.
	The UK Government support the CEF through its three components, the Strategic Fund which is the main fund, the Comic Relief Fund and the School Links Programme. Other donors, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have contributed to the CEF since its launch.
	We value the work of the CEF in strengthening the capacity of civil society in the developing world and in strengthening relationships between Government, civil society and the private sector. DFID has extended the completion dates of the funds to 2008.

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department has taken to implement the Race Equality Duty since 2000.

Gareth Thomas: Following the introduction of the Race Equality Duty, DFID produced a Race Equality Scheme in 2002. The Department revised and updated the scheme in 2006. The revised Race Equality Scheme lays out in detail how the Department will:
	assess, and consult on, the likely impact proposed policies will have on promoting race equality;
	monitor policies for any adverse impact on promoting race equality;
	publish the results of assessments, consultation, and monitoring;
	make sure the public have access to information and services; and
	train staff to carry out the general duty and the specific duties.
	Copies of our Race Equality Scheme have been placed in the Library.
	DFID has made good progress in race equality in a number of areas, including representation of black and minority ethnic staff in the senior civil service (SCS). In November 2006, 13 per cent. of the SCS was from a black or ethnic minority background; this compares favourably to progress in the SCS as a whole.
	DFID also continues to strengthen its links with people from diaspora communities in the United Kingdom. This is undertaken through, for example, increased consultation on DFID Country Assistance Plans.

Family Planning: Overseas Aid

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much was given in grants to  (a) International Planned Parenthood Federation and  (b) Marie Stopes International in the last year for which figures are available.

Gareth Thomas: DFID's total expenditure in financial year 2005-06 for Marie Stopes International was £717,000.
	The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) 2005 unrestricted core contribution of £6 million was paid in March 2005, which meant it was charged against the financial year 2004-05.
	No further funds were provided to IPPF in financial year 2005-06, but we have already provided a further core contribution in 2006-07 of £7.5 million.
	Further information on DFID expenditure through UK Civil Society Organisations for 2005-06 is published in table 17 of "Statistics on International Development 2001/02-2005/06", a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library.
	Final figures for financial year 2006-07 will be available from autumn 2007.

Malawi: Overseas Aid

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when the Scottish Executive first approached his Department to discuss overseas assistance to Malawi.

Hilary Benn: The issue of the Scottish Executive becoming involved in international development was first raised in a meeting I had with the First Minister, Jack McConnell MSP, on 21 September 2004 during my visit to the Scottish Parliament.

Malawi: Overseas Aid

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what requests for advice or assistance to Malawi his Department has received from the Scottish Executive; and if he will place in the Library all related correspondence, including e-mails, meeting notes and notes of telephone conversations.

Hilary Benn: DFID officials have had discussions with the Scottish Executive about their International Programme but have not had any formal requests for advice or assistance to Malawi. I will place all of the relevant correspondence relating to our contact with the Scottish Executive about the formulation of their international development policy in the Library.

Malawi: Overseas Aid

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions officials in his Department have had with Scottish Executive officials  (a) in Malawi and  (b) in the UK on aid projects to Malawi.

Hilary Benn: The Scottish Executive and DFID in Malawi are in regular contact. The Scottish Executive keep DFID Malawi informed of their activities in Malawi. In turn DFID provides background to developments in the sectors of interest and encourages the Scottish Executive to work within existing Government of Malawi priorities, programme and donor structures and to focus their efforts on where they think they can add value.
	In the UK there have been a number of informal meetings between Scottish Executive and DFID officials and an official has represented DFID at the two meetings of the Scottish Executive's Expert Group on international development.
	Scottish Executive officials are also members of the Africa Capacity Building Initiative Group, led by DFID, and attend all meetings.

Malaysia

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had on recent flooding in Johor Province, Malaysia; what assessment he has made of the aid needs of the evacuees; and what provision the Government are making available to Malaysia to help alleviate the effects of the flooding.

Gareth Thomas: DFID has been monitoring the situation closely, and has been prepared to respond if necessary. The Government of Malaysia have not requested international assistance and needs are being met by the Government of Malaysia and local response arrangements.
	It is reported that the flood water has begun to recede and people are returning home, although waters are expected to subside more slowly in some affected areas such as Batu Pahat.

Serbia: Overseas Aid

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much development assistance the Government provided to  (a) Serbia and  (b) Kosovo in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: In the last three completed financial years DFID provided the following:
	
		
			  £ million 
			   Serbia and Montenegro  Kosovo 
			 2003-04 5.114 3.024 
			 2004-05 4.214 2.564 
			 2005-06 3.191 2.900 
		
	
	These figures include spending on projects managed by DFID under the Global Conflict Prevention Pool. This is a joint funding initiative between DFID, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Ministry of Defence.
	Not all development assistance can be split between Kosovo, on the one hand, and Serbia and Montenegro on the other. The UK provided debt relief amounting to £45.821 million for Serbia and Montenegro, including Kosovo, in 2005-06. This figure cannot be further disaggregated. A further £10,000 development assistance was provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to Serbia and Montenegro, including Kosovo in 2003-04, and cannot be further disaggregated. Similarly, it is not possible to disaggregate further the British share of assistance provided through multilateral channels such as the EC, the World Bank and the United Nations. In 2004, the most recent year for which figures are available, our share of multilateral aid to Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo was £39.3 million.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Paul Burstow: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what steps the Commissioners  (a) have taken and  (b) plan to take to ensure compliance with the gender equality duty in the Equality Act 2006 by the April 2007 deadline.

Stuart Bell: As the Commissioners are not a public body, they are not affected by the part of the Act to which the hon. Member refers.
	Of course, the Commissioners wish to protect their employees from prejudice on gender or other grounds and have in place an equal opportunities policy.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Catering Services: House of Commons

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission when he expects an agreement to be reached on a pay increase for catering staff in the House due from April 2006.

Nick Harvey: Managers and unions have conducted negotiations for pay increases in 2006 for a number of months without being able to reach agreement. Negotiations are continuing. In the meantime, management and unions have agreed that a provisional pay increase should be given to catering staff and this will be paid to them with their March salaries.

Catering Services: House of Commons

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what the five golden rules are which have been issued to catering staff in the House.

Nick Harvey: The "five golden rules" issued to catering staff in the Terrace Cafeteria and Members' Tea Room have been devised as part of the Refreshment Department's customer service improvement programme, launched in January 2007. Building on customer service training delivered to all staff of the Department during 2006, the programme is being led by a customer service adviser working alongside staff in their own workplaces. The programme will continue until July 2007 and is intended to highlight and encourage good customer service practices, correct poor customer service practices or attitudes and achieve greater consistency across all venues.
	The "five golden rules" issued to customer-facing staff in the Terrace Cafeteria and Members' Tea Room are:
	1. Hold eye contact with each customer and smile
	2. Greet each customer—use customer's name
	3. Make a positive statement or compliment their food choice
	4. Listen carefully and respond to what they say
	5. Thank them with a smile
	Similar guidance may be produced for staff working in other venues, but this will depend on the customer service improvement priorities in each area.

Catering Services: House of Commons

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission how many  (a) catering managers and  (b) service staff were employed in the Refreshment Department in the House in each year since 1997.

Nick Harvey: The information requested is available only from 2002 onwards and is given in the following table:
	
		
			   Catering managers  Service staff 
			   Complemented  Actual numbers employed on 31 March  Complemented  Actual numbers employed on 31 March 
			 2002 13 11 148 125 
			 2003 13 11 151 131 
			 2004 11 9 117 112 
			 2005 11 11 116 107 
			 2006 11 10 113 106 
			 2007(1) 11 11 112 110 
			 (1) February. 
		
	
	Catering managers include catering and assistant catering managers, the operations managers and the Director of Catering. Service staff include staff in service areas, and exclude kitchen, retail, purchasing and administrative staff and managers.

Freedom of Information

David Laws: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission how many requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to the House authorities  (a) have been received,  (b) have been fully answered,  (c) have been partially unanswered with exemptions applied,  (d) remain unanswered and  (e) were considered vexatious.

Nick Harvey: The House's summary log of FOI requests contains the following information about requests made up to 31 January 2007:
	 (a) 362 requests have been received, of which four were subsequently withdrawn.
	 (b) 138 requests were fully answered.
	 (c) 81 requests were partially answered with exemptions applied.
	 (d) 122 requests were for information that is fully exempt.
	 (e) No requests were considered vexatious.
	17 responses are currently in preparation.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Equal Opportunities: Privy Council Office

Paul Burstow: To ask the Leader of the House what steps the Privy Council Office  (a) has taken and  (b) plans to take to ensure that it is in compliance with the gender equality duty in the Equality Act 2006 by the April 2007 deadline.

Jack Straw: The Privy Council Office is currently preparing its Gender Equality Scheme in line with the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (Public Authorities) (Statutory Duties) Order 2006 (No. 2930), laid on 10 November 2006, and expects to publish its scheme by 30 April 2007. This scheme will complement existing policies on equality within the PCO and will involve consultation with all staff.

Privy Council Office Judicial Committee

Oliver Heald: To ask the Leader of the House what the running costs are of the Judicial Committee, Privy Council Office in 2006-07.

Jack Straw: The forecast running costs of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in 2006-07 are £794,985. This is net of approximately £90,000 of income from fees.

SCOTLAND

Departments: Furniture

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many items of furniture were  (a) lost and  (b) stolen from his Department in each year since 1997; and what the value was of those items in each year.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999. Since that date no items of furniture have been reported as lost or stolen.

Departments: Official Cars

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many vehicles belonging to his Department were  (a) lost and  (b) stolen in each year since 1997; and what the (i) make and model and (ii) value was of each vehicle.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999 and owns no vehicles.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Abu Hamza

Chris Mullin: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will request a breakdown of the claims made on the legal aid fund by lawyers acting for Abu Hamza; and if she will make a statement.

Vera Baird: I will consider disclosing details of the amount of legal aid paid to all the lawyers acting for Abu Hamza once the final claims have been settled.

Afghanistan: Peace Keeping Operations

Alan Beith: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many inquests are expected to arise from the Nimrod crash in Afghanistan in September 2006.

Harriet Harman: There will be one inquest hearing in the Oxfordshire jurisdiction, comprising the inquests into all 14 deaths of the UK servicemen who died when an RAF Nimrod MR2 helicopter crashed near Kandahar, Afghanistan, on 2 September 2006.

Bailiffs: Regulation

Diana Johnson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what factors she took into account when deciding not to include proposals for the regulation of bailiffs in the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: The Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill does include proposals for the regulation of bailiffs who are not Crown employees through an enhanced and extended county court certification process. This will be a major contribution towards our goal of a fully regulated, highly trained and professionalised enforcement industry. It remains our longer-term intention for the industry to be overseen by an independent regulatory body and on 30 January 2007 my Department and the Home Office issued a joint consultation paper, "Regulation of Enforcement Agents (CP2/07)", which sets out options for achieving this.

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Paul Burstow: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps her Department  (a) has taken and  (b) plans to take to ensure that it and related bodies are in compliance with the gender equality duty in the Equality Act 2006 by the April 2007 deadline.

Harriet Harman: The information requested is as follows:
	 (a) In order to meet the requirements of the forthcoming gender equality duty requiring public authorities to (a) eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment and (b) promote equality of opportunity between women and men, the DCA, in keeping with the specific duties imposed, has set up a project to implement its Gender Equality Scheme (GES) by 30 April 2007. In doing so, the DCA will be conforming with the steps set out in the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (Public Authorities) (Statutory Duties) Order 2006 (No. 2930).
	DCA has consulted external stakeholders, business areas within the DCA, its associated offices and agencies. Consultation is continuing and a survey will shortly be issued to all DCA staff.
	DCA is looking at ways to include the gender duty at the heart of all its main functions.
	 (b) DCA, HMCS, the Tribunals Service, the Wales and Scotland Offices will be covered by the DCA Scheme and have taken part in the functions and policies audit. Action plans are being developed for each area to deliver the gender duty in their area.
	A number of statutory and non-statutory bodies are staffed by DCA employees and/or sponsored by the DCA. These are known as the DCA Associated Offices. Some of these offices will have schemes of their own and the role of each Associated Office and the individual approaches taken to meet the general and specific duties will be set out in an appendix to the scheme which will be published on 30 April 2007.

Departments: Freedom of Information

Anne Main: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs on how many occasions special advisers have been consulted in replying to Freedom of Information requests to her Department; and what her Department's policy is on the role of special advisers in the answering of Freedom of Information requests.

Vera Baird: The Department for Constitutional Affairs does not keep such records. Special advisers carry out their duties in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.

Departments: Freedom of Information

Dai Davies: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what information is collected by the freedom of information clearing house on instances of applications for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 by applicants identifying themselves as hon. Members.

Vera Baird: The Freedom of Information Act requires each case to be assessed on its individual merits. Departments do not collect information on requestor type, including Members of Parliament.
	The quarterly statistical reports published by my Department contain information on the implementation of FOI in central Government, including the number of requests received, the timeliness of responses, and the outcomes of requests.

Departments: Gender Equality

Lorely Burt: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps her Department is taking to implement the gender equality duty due to come into force on 6 April 2007.

Harriet Harman: In order to meet the requirements of the forthcoming gender equality duty requiring public authorities to (a) eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment and (b) promote equality of opportunity between women, the DCA, in keeping with the specific duties imposed, has set up a project to implement its gender equality scheme (GES) by 30 April 2007.
	In doing so, the DCA will be carrying out the steps set out in the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (Public Authorities) (Statutory Duties) Order 2006 (No. 2930).
	DCA has consulted external stakeholders, business areas within the DCA, its associated offices and agencies. Consultation is continuing and a survey will shortly be issued to all DCA staff.

Departments: Pay

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the total sum of bonuses paid to civil servants in her Department was in  (a) 2005 and  (b) 2006.

Vera Baird: The information requested is as follows:
	(a) Total bonus paid to members of the senior civil service in the year 2004-05 was £635,734 and 118 officials received a non-consolidated bonus in that year.
	(b) Total bonus paid to staff beneath the grade of senior civil service in the year 2004-05, was £1,204,719 and 3,637 officials received a non-consolidated bonus in that year.
	(c) Total bonus paid to members of the senior civil service in the year 2005-06, was £511,569 and 129 officials received a non-consolidated bonus in that year.
	(d) Total bonus paid to staff beneath the grade of senior civil service in the year 2005-06, was £1,097,569 and 3,861 officials received a non-consolidated bonus in that year.
	Bonuses recognise the exceptional performance above and beyond what could normally be expected of an individual in fulfilling their normal duties and for the SCS in the delivery of priority business objectives during the financial year.

Departments: Race Equality Duty

Lorely Burt: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps her Department has taken to implement the Race Equality Duty since 2000.

Harriet Harman: The Race Relations Act 1976 (RRA) as amended by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 (RRAA), places a duty on all public authorities to produce a Race Equality Scheme, commonly known as the RES. Therefore, this Department, as the then Lord Chancellor's Department, published its first RES in May 2002. In June 2003 that Department became the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA). On 1 April 2005, the DCA was restructured and assumed responsibility for the magistrates courts and at that time reviewed and republished its RES in May 2005.
	On 1 April 2006, DCA took on responsibility for the tribunal service this paved the way for the Department to revise and harmonise its RES and this was published in December 2006.
	Our revised Race Equality Scheme lays out in detail how we have implemented the Race Equality Duty. This includes information on how we:
	assess, and consult on, the likely impact proposed policies will have on promoting race equality;
	monitor policies for any adverse impact on promoting race equality;
	publish the results of assessments, consultation, and monitoring;
	make sure the public have access to information and services; and
	train staff to carry out the general duty and the specific duties.
	A copy of our Race Equality Scheme is available at
	www.dca.gov.uk/dept/equality/raceequality2006_main.pdf
	Throughout the process of reviewing the scheme, DCA have consulted external stakeholders, business areas within the DCA, its associated offices and agencies. As part of the monitoring and evaluation process DCA will continue to consult as appropriate.
	Since 2001, staff have received awareness training in relation to their responsibilities under the race legislation. In September 2006, senior managers attended workshops that raised awareness about how to continually embed equality and diversity into the business. As to achievements the Department has a management development programme for black and minority ethnic staff, positive action training which gives access to information to the community which assists participants to realise their potential.
	DCA is part of the Race and Diversity Action Group (RADAG), which requires all criminal justice agencies in London to demonstrate how they implement the Race Relations and Disability Discrimination Acts—RADAG is chaired by Lee Jasper, Race Adviser to the Mayor of London.

Electoral Register: London

Greg Hands: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many and what percentage of people on the electoral registers in each London borough are  (a) EU nationals and  (b) not nationals of (i) the UK and (ii) the Republic of Ireland.

John Healey: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 19 February 2007:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your question concerning how many and what percentage of people on the electoral registers in each London borough are (a) EU nationals and (b) not nationals of (i) the UK and (ii) the Republic of Ireland. (120238)
	Data separately identifying British, Irish, or Commonwealth citizens are not collected centrally; these citizens are grouped together on local authority electoral returns. Therefore we are unable to produce data separately for British and Irish citizens.
	The attached table provides the nearest available data to those you requested. It provides figures for 1 December 2005 for each London Borough and the City of London, on the number and proportion of registered electors who qualify through EU citizenship, excluding British, Irish, Cypriot and Maltese citizens (Cypriot and Maltese citizens qualify as Commonwealth citizens). Also shown are equivalent data for those electors who qualify through British, Irish or Commonwealth citizenship.
	Electoral counts for 1 December 2006 will be published on 22 February 2007.
	
		
			  Number and percentage of the electorate qualifying through European Union( 2)  citizenship, and number and percentage of the electorate qualifying through British, Irish, or Commonwealth citizenship, London boroughs, 1 December 2005 
			   Electorate qualifying through European Union citizenship( 1,2)  Percentage of electorate qualifying through European Union citizenship( 1,2)  Electorate qualifying through British, Irish, or Commonwealth citizenship( 1)  Percentage of electorate qualifying through British, Irish, or Commonwealth citizenship( 1) 
			 City of London 341 5.5 5,810 94.5 
			 Barking and Dagenham 2,551 2.1 119,394 97.9 
			 Barnet 9,056 4.2 206,303 95.8 
			 Bexley 1,510 0.9 169,760 99.1 
			 Brent 12,863 6.8 176,361 93.2 
			 Bromley 4,137 1.8 228,064 98.2 
			 Camden 12,263 8.4 134,181 91.6 
			 Croydon 5,841 2.4 235,128 97.6 
			 Ealing 14,338 6.5 205,599 93.5 
			 Enfield 6,924 3.5 191,164 96.5 
			 Greenwich 5,811 3.6 155,451 96.4 
			 Hackney 8,437 6.3 125,419 93.7 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 11,557 9.7 107,752 90.3 
			 Haringey 11,336 7.3 143,564 92.7 
			 Harrow 4,525 2.8 159,142 97.2 
			 Havering 1,210 0.7 175,687 99.3 
			 Hillingdon 4,389 2.4 180,045 97.6 
			 Hounslow 5,514 3.7 142,864 96.3 
			 Islington 7,375 6.1 113,528 93.9 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 15,573 15.2 86,682 84.8 
			 Kingston upon Thames 3,885 3.8 98,898 96.2 
			 Lambeth 14,421 7.0 190,811 93.0 
			 Lewisham 6,564 3.7 171,534 96.3 
			 Merton 7,393 5.4 130,063 94.6 
			 Newham 11,147 6.1 171,849 93.9 
			 Redbridge 1,360 0.7 183,730 99.3 
			 Richmond upon Thames 5,182 4.2 116,941 95.8 
			 Southwark 8,919 4.8 177,162 95.2 
			 Sutton 2,512 1.9 130,358 98.1 
			 Tower Hamlets 8,254 5.4 143,378 94.6 
			 Waltham Forest 6,878 4.3 154,181 95.7 
			 Wandsworth 12,909 6.0 203,772 94.0 
			 Westminster 16,884 12.3 120,800 87.7 
			 (1) These data are as reported by each London borough to ONS. (2 )Excludes British and Irish citizens, and also Maltese and Cypriot citizens who qualify as Commonwealth citizens.  Source:  Office for National Statistics

EU Fundamental Rights Agency

Philip Davies: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the legal basis is for the creation of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency; and what assessment she has made of the likely effect of the activities of the agency on the UK.

Vera Baird: The legal base of the regulation establishing the Fundamental Rights Agency is Article 308 of the Treaty establishing the European Community. Once established, the Fundamental Rights Agency is expected to assist EU Institutions and, when implementing Community law, member states on fundamental rights issues with particular regard to the areas of racism and xenophobia.

European Social Charter

Mike Hancock: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will take steps to bring the UK into conformity with Article 17 of the European Social Charter.

James Plaskitt: I have been asked to reply
	In 2005 the United Kingdom, for the first time since 1969, was found to be not fully in compliance with Article 17 of the European Social Charter. The Government will review their policy in the areas concerned before they are next required to report on compliance with the Article, in 2010.

Family Courts

Mark Oaten: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs when she expects to announce her response to the consultation paper on improving transparency and privacy in family courts.

Harriet Harman: The consultation on improving transparency and privacy in family courts closed on 30 October 2006. We are now considering the responses carefully and will respond as soon as practicable.

Legal Aid

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what estimate her Department has made of the predicted volume of criminal legal aid cases in each of the next three years; and if she will make a statement.

Vera Baird: The number of criminal legal aid acts of assistance is currently projected to be approximately 1.7 million in each of the next three financial years.
	An act of assistance may help more than one individual and an individual may receive more than one act of assistance.

Legal Aid

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many legal aid applications were granted to property owners by the Legal Services Commission in each year since 2000.

Vera Baird: This information is not available. Where an applicant can demonstrate that he or she is in receipt of income support, income based jobseeker's allowance or guarantee state pension credit, no inquiries are made by the Legal Services Commission as to the capital of the applicant, including whether he or she is a property owner.

Legal Aid

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many applications for legal aid were refused by the Legal Services Commission on grounds of  (a) the resources of other persons where another person has been maintaining the applicant or their partner and  (b) resources of other persons made available to the applicant or their partner in the past, in each year since 2000.

Vera Baird: The information is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Legal Services Commission: Expenditure

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the administration costs of the Legal Services Commission were in each year since 2000.

Vera Baird: The administration expenditure of the Legal Services Commission (LSC) during each of the financial years since its formation in April 2000 was as follows:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2000-01 72.4 
			 2001-02 71.6 
			 2002-03 73.4 
			 2003-04(1) 90.2 
			 2004-05(1) 102.7 
			 2005-06 96.8 
			 (1) Includes monies paid to HM Court Service to meet the cost of administering legal aid payments in the Crown Court.

Magistrates Courts: Strikes

Philip Davies: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many magistrates courts have been affected by strike action by court staff in each of the last three years; and how many days of court business she estimates have been lost as a result of these strikes.

Harriet Harman: Magistrates courts have been affected by strike action on two occasions, 20 December 2005 and 31 January 2007.
	There are approximately 358 buildings designated for magistrates court sittings in England and Wales.
	On 20 December 2005, 33 (9.2 per cent.) were closed as a result of strike action.
	On 31 January 2007, 39 (10.9 per cent.) were closed as a result of strike action
	Across the same two days, a total of 1,450 planned court days were deferred to avoid unnecessary disruption to individual court users.

Magistrates Courts: Wales

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the  (a) maintenance,  (b) operational,  (c) refurbishment and  (d) total running costs were for each magistrates court in Wales in each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: Prior to 1 April 2005 magistrates courts were the responsibility of locally managed magistrates courts committees who were statutorily independent and cost information was not collected centrally. Therefore, the costs for maintenance, operational, refurbishment and total running costs since 1997 can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Detailed in the following table are the maintenance, refurbishment costs and the total operational costs (inclusive of maintenance and refurbishment costs) for 2005-06 broken down by magistrates court and attached satellite courts. These figures have been drawn from HMCS Management accounts.
	
		
			  Magistrates court  Maintenance costs  Refurbishment costs  Total operating costs (including maintenance and refurbishment) 
			 Gwent Magistrates Courts 417,510.19 240,545.60 2,712,834.17 
			 Caernarforn Magistrates Court and Satellites 110,107.24 2,097,229.69 5,435,504.81 
			 Llundudno Magistrates Court and Satellites 120,076.26 52,228.74 4,843,308.94 
			 Wrexham Magistrates Court and Satellites 335,693.22 69,997.48 4,836,702.58 
			 Cardiff Magistrates Court and Satellites 151,895.87 430,261.67 28,694,029.92 
			 Neath Magistrates Court and Satellites 59,396.59 168,436.84 5,837,294.27 
			 Pontypridd Magistrates Court and Satellites 136,082.64 181,991.28 6,616,301.44 
			 Swansea Magistrates Court and Satellites 64,308.54 13,046.00 8,021,214.56 
			 Aberaeron Magistrates Court and Satellites 131,712.29 1,000,059.93 1,554,685.91 
			 Llanelli Magistrates Court and Satellites 354,695.33 871,507.62 2,622,352.36 
			 Brecon Magistrates Court and Satellites 54,926.08 454,947.29 858,970.35 
			 Welshpool Magistrates Court and Satellites 276,446.89 30,755.65 742,384.31 
			 Haverfordwest Magistrates Court and Satellites 111,873.82 2,631.36 1,383,586.84 
			 Total 2,324,724.96 5,613,639.15 74,159,170.46

Prisoners: Deportation

Philip Davies: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the  (a) policy and  (b) procedure is which governs the handing over of defendants by the courts to the immigration authorities where there is a warrant for deportation.

Harriet Harman: Under section 6 of the Immigration Act 1971, the criminal courts have power to make a recommendation for deportation. When they do so, they give written notification to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate to enable a decision to be made on whether to deport the offender.

Property: Valuation

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of properties in each local authority area in the UK with a value of more than £1 million.

Vera Baird: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and represents residential properties registered in England and Wales, sold at open market value of more than £1 million, in each local authority area in 2006. Council tax banding may provide a more detailed estimation of the total number of properties within the requested category.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Avian Influenza: Suffolk

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had on the use of mobile incineration units to incinerate the turkeys culled during the Suffolk H5N1 outbreak.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department's disposal plans for avian influenza are set out in DEFRA's Overview of Emergency Preparedness for Exotic Animal Diseases, which supplements the DEFRA Framework Response Plan for Exotic Animal Diseases. This was laid before Parliament in December 2006 following a formal public consultation. It sets out the agreed hierarchy for disposal, which is incineration in an animal by-product approved fixed plant incinerator; rendering; burial in a permitted commercial landfill or on-farm burning or burial.
	Most mobile incinerators have a very limited capacity and are only approved to process less than 50 kg per hour and require a site specific licence. Given the quantity of carcass material to be disposed, they were not considered to be a viable disposal solution in this case.

Avian Influenza: Suffolk

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost has been of the clean up operation at the turkey farm owned by Bernard Matthews.

Ben Bradshaw: The clean-up operation and epidemiological investigation are ongoing on the Bernard Matthews turkey farm, in Suffolk, affected by the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak. It is too early to ascertain the exact costs involved.

Climate Change: Nature Conservation

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the impact of climate change on  (a) rare and threatened species and  (b) the threat posed to wildlife in the UK by invasive species.

Barry Gardiner: DEFRA published a research report reviewing climate change impacts on migratory species in August 2005. My Department is also currently co-funding research (MONARCH3) to model climate change impacts on selected priority species identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Results of this work are due to be published later this year and these will contribute to a climate change risk assessment currently being undertaken for the UK Biodiversity Partnership Standing Committee. A strategy to address the threat posed by invasive species, including those influenced by climate change, is being developed jointly with the Devolved Administrations. We aim to consult on it shortly.

Cod: Fishing Catches

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much cod has been landed and recorded on the Department's computer system since 1 January 2007.

Ben Bradshaw: The Marine Fisheries Agency maintains statistics on the total quantity of whitefish landed by UK fishing vessels and recorded on UK fisheries departments' systems. These statistics are released on their website, and the following data reflect the position as at 7 February 2007.
	
		
			  Cod statistics: total landings (tonnes live weight) in 2007 
			   Landings into:  
			  Stock  Scotland  England, Wales and Northern Ireland  Abroad  Total landings by UK vessels 
			 North Sea 485 158 16 658 
			 West of Scotland 15 0 0 15 
			  
			 Area VII 
			 VII A 0 4 0 4 
			 VIIB-K, VIII, IXCOPACE 0 61 1 62

Energy Efficiency

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of properties in  (a) local council and  (b) housing association ownership covered by district heating schemes; what assessment he has made of the energy use per inhabitant of such properties in comparison with other forms of housing; what plans he has to take steps (i) to improve and (ii) to promote the energy efficiency of such properties; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: I have been asked to reply.
	The 2004 English House Condition Survey estimated that district or communal heating systems supply heating to 250,000 homes in the social sector, around 150,000 of these being local authority stock, the rest registered social landlord stock. These homes have an average energy efficiency rating of 75 compared to 58 for the two sectors as a whole (homes rated using the SAP 2001 methodology).
	We do not have information on actual energy use by the occupants. The average SAP suggests district heating systems are generally very efficient. The decent homes standards require homes to provide thermal comfort through having both efficient heating and effective insulation. Our guidance for delivering decent homes sets out the means by which landlords can meet this thermal comfort criterion, and also recommends that they seek to go further to improve energy efficiency, for example by replacing inefficient boilers, or installing extra insulation or double glazing.
	Under the Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC), electricity and gas suppliers are required to achieve targets for the promotion of improvements in domestic energy efficiency which includes social sector homes.

Livestock: Disease Control

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will introduce a requirement that all keepers of livestock, including hobby farmers, take measures to reduce the possibility of animal disease breakdowns and transmission.

Ben Bradshaw: All keepers of livestock, throughout the UK, should continue their efforts to maintain high levels of biosecurity.
	DEFRA has issued extensive guidance to livestock and bird keepers. This includes guidance to hobby farmers on biosecurity measures to protect their birds from avian influenza, which is also available on the DEFRA website. It is crucial that keepers follow these measures at all times, not just during a disease outbreak. We have stressed to the industry that they should take a major share of the responsibility for improving animal health standards.
	In particular, we have impressed on poultry keepers that they should plan how they will manage any free range birds if there is a need to house or otherwise isolate them from wild birds (as is currently in place in the restricted zone in parts of Norfolk and Suffolk). We have also issued guidance on methods of keeping domestic birds separate from wild birds, if housing is not practical, by feeding and watering domestic birds under cover where possible. Bird feed and any standing water should be kept free from contamination by wild birds and other animals. Poultry owners should make sure that hands, clothes and footwear are clean before and after contact with birds. Owners need to be vigilant and monitor their birds frequently.
	DEFRA are running advertising campaigns in trade and specialist publications to raise awareness of biosecurity and avian influenza.
	The Animal Gatherings (England) Order 2006 lists a number of requirements that people attending an animal gathering must comply with such as cleansing and disinfecting vehicles, footwear, clothing, etc. Additionally, the Transport of Animals (Cleaning and Disinfection) (England) Order 2003 requires vehicles transporting animals are cleansed and disinfected within 24 hours or before they are used again to carry animals.

Meat: Smuggling

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many seizures of illegal meat imports there were in each of the last five years.

Ben Bradshaw: Since April 2001, seizures of illegal meat imported into the UK have been recorded and are shown in the following table:
	
		
			  As at 1 April to 31 March each year:  Total number of seizures  Seizures (kilograms) 
			 2001-02 1,242 18,955 
			 2002-03 2,986 31,301 
			 2003-04 6,810 72,734 
			 2004-05 10,987 78,664 
			 2005-06 14,826 106,135 
		
	
	The table includes seizures made by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at points of entry (and by staff funded by DEFRA until 11 April 2003), those made by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Northern Ireland (DARDNI) at points of entry in Northern Ireland and those made by inland local/port health authorities.
	HMRC have been responsible for anti-smuggling controls on products of animal origin (POAO) into Great Britain since 11 April 2003.

Rodents

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the causes of the increase in rat infestations in recent years.

Ben Bradshaw: The most recent objective report by the Central Science Laboratory, "Rodent infestations in domestic properties in England 2001", was published in July 2005. The report was compiled from data collected during the 2001 English House Condition Survey (EHCS) and included comparisons with data from 1996. The report concluded that the rates for both mice and rats inside dwellings were similar for 1996 and 2001, while the rate for rats outside dwellings was higher in 2001.
	Factors found in the report to be related to infestation levels included dwellings where pets or livestock were kept in the garden, the degree of unfitness of the dwelling, the size of the plot and the level of problems in the area (such as dereliction), vacant properties and unkempt gardens.
	In January, the National Pest Technicians Association published its "National Rodent Survey Report 2006" based on figures provided, voluntarily, by local authorities. The report suggested that the increase in reports and treatments of rat infestations by local authorities may be linked to a range of factors. These include charges by local authorities for pest control, treatment of local sewerage systems, overfeeding birds and an increase in fast-food related litter and fly-tipping.

Whales: Conservation

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which countries have been sent the "Protecting Whales—A Global Responsibility" document; which countries he consulted before publishing the document; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The DEFRA leaflet, "Protecting Whales—A Global Responsibility", is a UK initiative designed to help recruit new anti-whaling countries to the International Whaling Commission (IWC). It has, therefore, been sent primarily to those member states of the European Union and other European countries which are not currently members of the IWC.
	It was distributed to Government representatives attending the caucus of like-minded anti-whaling countries in Washington DC in January and will be distributed to all Foreign and Commonwealth Office posts in countries which are currently members of the IWC.
	UK representatives of some (principally) Commonwealth pro-whaling countries were invited to the launch of the leaflet and those who attended were given copies and asked to draw its contents to the attention of relevant Ministers and officials in their home countries.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

10 Downing Street

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if she will initiate a capability review of 10 Downing Street.

Hilary Armstrong: The Prime Minister's office forms part of the Cabinet Office. The Capability Review of the Cabinet Office was published in December of last year and is available on the Cabinet Office website. Copies have also been placed in the Library for the reference of Members.
	http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/reform/capability_reviews/publications/pdf/Capability_Review_CO.pdf

Butler Report

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what changes have been made to record keeping and minuting of meetings since the publication of the Butler Report; and if she will make a statement.

Vera Baird: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government published their response to the conclusions of the Butler Report on 23 March 2006 "Review of Intelligence on Weapons of Mass Destruction: Implementation of its Conclusions" (Cm 6492). This made clear that the Cabinet Committee system provides the procedures by which issues that are of interest to more than one Department are properly discussed and that the views of all relevant Ministers are considered and that discussions are properly recorded and distributed to those who need to act on them.
	Departments have access to advice on meetings and discussions that need to be minuted in the revised Guidance on Managing Private Office Records issued by the National Archives in June 2004. The Records Management Code was issued by the Lord Chancellor in 2002 under section 46 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, also provides a framework for managing records. Both the code and the guidance are available on the National Archives website at:
	http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/popapersguidance-full.pdf

Central Office of Information: Public Relations

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the estimated total expenditure is by the Central Office of Information on public relations, marketing and advertising in 2006-07.

Patrick McFadden: I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave on 19 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1372W.

Committee on Standards in Public Life

Ken Purchase: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the cost was to the public purse of the Committee on Standards in Public Life in the latest year for which figures are available.

Hilary Armstrong: The cost of the Committee on Standards in Public Life for 2005-06 was £477,745. The next annual report will be published on 15 March 2007 and that will contain information for 2006-07.

Departmental Expenditure

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much the Cabinet Office spent on licensing fonts in each year since 1997.

Hilary Armstrong: It is not possible to readily identify from the Department's accounting system how much the Cabinet Office has spent on licensing fonts since 1997. This information is therefore available only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Recruitment

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what use the Cabinet Office has made of  (a) people retention companies and  (b) the company Talent Drain in each of the last five years.

Hilary Armstrong: The Cabinet Office has not made any use of people retention companies, including the company Talent Drain, in the last five years.

Departments: Assets

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which fixed assets her Department sold for £10,000 or less in  (a) 2004-05 and  (b) 2005-06; and what the (i) sale value, (ii) purchaser and (iii) date of sale was of each asset.

Hilary Armstrong: My Department has not sold any fixed assets in this period.

Departments: Civil Servants

Mark Harper: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many civil servants in her Department are suspended on full pay and have been so for more than  (a) one year and  (b) five years.

Hilary Armstrong: The Cabinet Office has not suspended any staff on full pay for one year or more.

Departments: Furniture

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many items of furniture have been  (a) lost and  (b) stolen from her Department in each year since 1997; and what the value was of those items in each year.

Hilary Armstrong: There have been no recorded lost or stolen items of furniture in each year since 1997.

Departments: Official Cars

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many vehicles belonging to her Department were  (a) lost and  (b) stolen in each year since 1997; and what the (i) make and model and (ii) value was of each vehicle.

Hilary Armstrong: None.

Equal Opportunities: Gender

Paul Burstow: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps her Department  (a) has taken and  (b) plans to take to ensure that it and related bodies are in compliance with the gender equality duty in the Equality Act 2006 by the April 2007 deadline.

Hilary Armstrong: The Cabinet Office has been taking action for a number of years to  (a) end unlawful discrimination and harassment and  (b) promote equality between women and men, among both its own employees and across the civil service. The Cabinet Office is currently consulting across the Department and we will publish a gender equality scheme by 30 April 2007. We are looking to produce it as part of a joint equality scheme, and we will ensure that it reflects all of the individual elements required of the gender, race and disability duties.

Government Websites

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to the answer of 31 January 2007,  Official Report, column 383W, what the  (a) set-up and  (b) annual running cost is of making Directgov available via (i) Sky, (ii) Ntl, (iii) Telewest and (iv) mobile phone.

Patrick McFadden: Directgov provides the main interface between the Government and the citizen. Its role was fully endorsed and emphasised by the Varney Review published in November 2006 and accepted by the Government.
	As the main interface, Directgov services need to be provided to as wide a range of people as possible and it has, therefore, been made available through both mobile telephone and digital interactive television services.
	This allows those citizens who do not have internet access, or the necessary ability to use the internet, to have access to this important gateway. The  (a) set-up and  (b) annual running costs are in the following table:
	
		
			  £ 
			   Set-up costs  Annual running costs 
			 Sky — 352,320 
			 Ntl — 40,000 
			 Telewest — 40,000 
			 TV application and perpetual software licences 328,196 48,269 
			 Mobile application development 184,980 36,000 
			 Hosting for TV and mobile — 93,300

Information Asset Register

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what datasets are logged on the Government's Information Asset Register.

Vera Baird: I have been asked to reply.
	All Departments are encouraged to populate the Government's Information Asset Register, which lists details of primarily unpublished information assets in a searchable form. The Information Asset Register can be searched at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/cgi-bin/scarchIAR.pl?DB=iar. On 7 February 2007 there were 292 records relating to databases and datasets.

Information Asset Register

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what datasets maintained by the Cabinet Office are on the Information Asset Register.

Patrick McFadden: A list of the Cabinet Office's entries on the Information Asset Register can be accessed via the Office of Public Sector Information's inforoute website (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/iar/index.htm). Copies have also been placed in the Library for the reference of Members.

Labour Party: Conferences

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on how many occasions since May 1997 civil servants in  (a) the Cabinet Office and  (b) 10 Downing Street have been given permission to attend the Labour Party conference to carry out departmental business.

Hilary Armstrong: Special advisers, who are temporary civil servants, can attend the annual party conference in accordance with their terms and conditions of employment. Permanent civil servants cannot attend the annual party conference in an official capacity except when their presence is required for carrying through essential departmental business unconnected with the conference. The number of occasions on which civil servants may have attended the annual party conference for the purposes of carrying out essential departmental business is not held and would involve disproportionate cost as it would involve reviewing the personnel files of all civil servants who have worked in the Cabinet Office and No. 10 Downing street since May 1997. As has been the case under successive Administrations, the Prime Minister is accompanied to party conference by the usual security and telecoms staff.

Ministerial Policy Advisers

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if she will place copies of the letters of appointment of each of her special advisers in the Library.

Hilary Armstrong: My special advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the "Model Contract for Special Advisers", a copy of which is in the Library. Individual letters of appointment are confidential between the employer and employee and therefore not for publication.

Policy: Reviews

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to the answer of 26 January 2007,  Official Report, column 2129W, on policy review working groups, when the Policy Review working groups on  (a) Britain and the World,  (b) Environment and Energy,  (c) Public Services,  (d) the Role of the State and  (e) Crime and Security last met; and who attended each meeting.

Patrick McFadden: Information relating to the policy review and the working groups within it is available on the Cabinet Office website and in the Library (http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/policy_review/index.asp). The policy review process will conclude in spring 2007. However, information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees and policy review working groups, particularly when and how often they meet, is generally not disclosed as to do so could harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion.

Policy: Reviews

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to the answer of 26 January 2007,  Official Report, column 2129W, on policy review working groups, how many full-time equivalent civil servants have been allocated to the policy review working groups.

Patrick McFadden: A number of civil servants across Government Departments have been involved in work related to the policy review reflecting the high priority the Government attach to it. This work would include, for example, drafting papers and providing advice and secretariat support. The precise numbers involved at any one time vary according to the issues under consideration.

Public Participation

Danny Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the terms of reference are for the review of the consolidation of the Government's customer interface being led by the Cabinet Secretary; when it is expected to report; and if she will make a statement.

Hilary Armstrong: The programme of change and the role of the Cabinet Secretary are set out in Sir David Varney's report "Service transformation: A better service for citizens and businesses, a better deal for the taxpayer". A delivery plan to implement Sir David Varney's report will be published later this year.

Trading Standards

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the proposed Local Better Regulation Office will  (a) set targets for and  (b) inspect local authorities' environmental health and trading standards services.

Patrick McFadden: In the spring the Government intend to publish a consultation document setting out in detail proposals regarding the role of the Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO). The expectation is that LBRO will neither set targets for local authorities' environmental health and trading standards services, nor inspect local authorities' environmental health and trading standards services. LBRO will work within the performance framework announced in the Local Government White Paper. As a result of LBRO's activities the Government expect to see compliant businesses benefiting from a regulatory regime that is less burdensome, more consistent, more co-ordinated and better targeted.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

ASK Property Developments

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what meetings the Secretary of State, Ministers or officials have held with  (a) Mick Hucknall and  (b) other representatives of ASK Property Developments over the past five years.

Richard Caborn: We have no record of any such meetings having taken place involving Ministers or officials responsible for gambling policy.

Clubs: Licensing

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the effect of the Licensing Act 2003 on sports clubs; and if she will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: The Government are committed to monitoring the operation of the new licensing regime to ensure it does not place an unfair burden on local community groups, including sports clubs.
	We specifically asked the Independent Licensing Fees Review Panel, as part of their terms of reference, to look at how the fee structure affects community amateur sports clubs, and identify whether it should be adjusted to address any disproportionate impact. The panel's final report was placed in the Library of the House on 25 January. Ministers are currently considering the panel's detailed conclusions and recommendations, including those relating to community amateur sports clubs, and will provide a full response shortly.

Departmental Fixed Assets

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 26 January 2007,  Official Report, column 2057W, on departmental fixed assets, what the floor area in square metres was of each of the buildings sold in Windsor.

David Lammy: In 2004-05 DCMS sold the freeholds of 30, 31 and 32 Park street, Windsor, to their lessees. The floor area in square metres for each was as follows:
	 30 Park street
	The original building had a gross internal area of approximately 111.8 square metres. After the leaseholder's improvements the building had a gross internal area of approximately 130.76 square metres which includes a conservatory.
	 31 Park street
	The original building had a gross internal area of approximately 111.8 square metres. After the leaseholder's improvements the building had a gross internal area of approximately 130.76 square metres.
	 32 Park street
	The original building had a gross internal area of approximately 115.75 square metres. After the leaseholder's improvements (rear addition at first floor level) the building had a gross internal area of approximately 138.35 square metres.

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department  (a) has taken and  (b) plans to take to ensure that it and related bodies are in compliance with the gender equality duty in the Equality Act 2006 by the April 2007 deadline.

David Lammy: DCMS anticipated the introduction of the gender equality duty by publishing a combined Equality Scheme in December 2006 addressing race, disability and gender. The Department is currently reviewing and updating that scheme to ensure that it compiles with the gender equality duty. An updated Equality Scheme will be published by 30 April 2007. The Department has also organised an awareness seminar on the gender equality duty for our sponsored bodies and will encourage compliance with the duty to publish an Equality Scheme by the April 2007 deadline.

Departments: Gender Equality

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department is taking to implement the gender equality duty due to come into force on 6 April.

David Lammy: DCMS anticipated the introduction of the gender equality duty by publishing a combined Equality Scheme in December 2006 addressing race, disability and gender. The Department is currently reviewing and updating that scheme to ensure that it complies with the gender equality duty. An updated Equality Scheme will be published by 30 April 2007.

Departments: Official Cars

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many vehicles belonging to her Department were  (a) lost and  (b) stolen in each year since 1997; and what the (i) make and model and (ii) value was of each vehicle.

David Lammy: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport does not own any vehicles; nor has it owned any vehicles during the period covered by the question; i.e. since 1997.

Departments: Pay

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the total sum of bonuses paid to civil servants in her Department was in  (a) 2005 and  (b) 2006.

David Lammy: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport makes bonus payments to its staff for two purposes:  (a) special bonuses to reward outstanding contributions in particularly demanding tasks or situations; and  (b) performance bonuses to reward highly successful performance over a whole year.
	The total of all bonuses paid in the 2004-05 tax year was £215,285, and the total in 2005-06 tax year was £293,241.

Digital Broadcasting

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received from organisations in the programme making and special events sector on the Digital Dividend Review and its impact on members of the British Entertainment Industry Radio Group; what consideration she has given to such representations; and if she will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: We have received a number of representations on these matters.
	However, the issues raised form part of the Digital Dividend Review (DDR), which is the responsibility of Ofcom.
	Accordingly, representations should be made to Ofcom, who published their consultation document for the DDR on 19 December 2006. The consultation ends 20 March 2007.

Digital Broadcasting

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what technical information has been provided to organisations in the programme making and special events sector by her Department in order for them to prepare for the switchover to digital television broadcasting; and if she will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: The Department has not provided any technical information to the above organisations.
	Ofcom's proposals for dealing with spectrum use by the Programme Making and Special Events sector are set out in the Digital Dividend Review consultation document published by Ofcom on the 19 December 2006. The consultation ends 20 March 2007.

Entertainments: Tickets

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will place in the Library the consumer study undertaken by her Department on the resale of entertainment tickets; and if she will make a statement.

David Lammy: Yes, copies of the full report will be placed in the Library of both Houses in due course.

Film

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to encourage cinemas to give greater space to British films.

Shaun Woodward: The UK Film Council, Government's strategic agency for film, aims to promote the widest possible understanding and enjoyment of cinema across the nations and regions of the UK. It runs a Distribution and Exhibition Fund to bring a wider choice of films to citizens with specific emphasis on British films, specialised films and world cinema.
	The council is currently rolling out the digital screen network (DSN). This will provide 240 screens nationwide with state-of-the-art digital projection equipment in return for a commitment to screening more British and specialised films. The new equipment also allows for a dramatic reduction in the cost of distribution, thereby facilitating the wider release of specialised titles to audiences across the UK. To date, 136 screens have been installed in 118 cinemas countrywide, screening a total of 21 British films.
	The council also operates a £2 million per annum Prints and Advertising Fund to assist the wider distribution and better marketing of British and specialised films. To date, the fund has invested in 40 British films and co-productions, all of which have been released nationwide.

Licensing Act 2003

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the timetable is for the second stage review of the Secretary of State's guidance on the Licensing Act 2003.

Shaun Woodward: As part of the second stage of the review of Guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, a public consultation on draft revised guidance began on 16 January. The consultation concludes on 11 April. Following the consideration and analysis of consultation responses, we expect to issue the final revised guidance in spring 2007.

Ministers: Visits Abroad

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the full itinerary was for the visits of the Minister for Media and Tourism to  (a) New York and Los Angeles between 29 October and 6 November,  (b) New York and Washington between 9 and 15 May and  (c) San Francisco between 30 September and 3 October 2006; what the dates and times were of the meetings held during each visit; with whom each meeting was held; and if she will publish the minutes of the meetings.

Shaun Woodward: A list of overseas visits in 2006 was provided in the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 25 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1918W.
	Minutes of meetings will not be published as to do so would be likely to inhibit the free and frank discussion between Ministers and stakeholders in the future and therefore would be likely to prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs.

Ofcom: Consultants

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  how much was paid by Ofcom to  (a) consultants and  (b) other outside agencies in each year since 2003;
	(2)  how many staff were employed by OFCOM in each year since 2003; and what the salary cost was in each year.

Shaun Woodward: The matter raised is the responsibility of the independent regulator, the Office of Communications (Ofcom), which is accountable to Parliament. Accordingly, I have asked the Chief Executive of Ofcom to reply directly to the hon. Member. Copies of the Chief Executive's letter will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Olympic Games

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people are employed by London 2012, broken down by type of employment.

Richard Caborn: As at 5 February 2007 the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) employs 90 permanent employees, 24 seconded employees and three fixed term employees. There are 21 Board and Committee members. In addition, the ODA currently employs 74 temporary/interim staff.
	As at 5 February 2007 the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) employs 114 permanent or fixed term employees, eight seconded employees and 13 consultants. In addition, LOCOG currently employs five temporary/interim staff.

Pensioners: Licensing

Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether her Department has plans to extend free television licensing to those of basic state pension age in addition to those aged over 75 years.

Shaun Woodward: The Government have no plans to extend the availability of free TV licences. The BBC Charter Review White Paper, published in March 2006, noted that concessions had been proposed for a wide range of groups, but that there was little consensus as to who should benefit, the criteria on which any new concessions should be allocated, or how they should be funded.

Sports: Facilities

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the impact of land banking of open space designated for sports on the availability of sports facilities; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: No formal assessment of land banking has been made.
	However, land banking of sports facilities, such as playing fields, is not currently considered a widespread problem due to the increased protection that the Government have provided. This includes playing fields not being categorised as previously developed land under planning guidance (PPG3) which makes planning permission for housing on these sites much harder to achieve.
	Moreover, the majority of playing field sites are in local authority ownership or club ownership, and therefore a search of the land registry would only identify a small percentage in developers' hands.
	In addition, the Government have provided clear planning guidance to local authorities (PPG17) that no playing field needed by their communities should be lost.

DEFENCE

Afghanistan: Equipment

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received from military commanders in Afghanistan on the provision of  (a) mine protected vehicles,  (b) Chinook helicopters and  (c) other equipment; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: Following my announcement on 24 July 2006,  Official Report, columns 74-76WS, we have sent two additional CH-47 Chinooks to Afghanistan, making a total of eight, and increased the number of flying hours. This increased capability currently meets the operational commander's requirement and I have received no representations for additional helicopters. I have also received no representations for new mine protected vehicles. All requirements are kept under constant review. We regularly receive and action requests for a wide range of equipment. Some of these we can address through existing resources; other emerging requirements are met through the urgent operational requirement (UOR) process. The UOR process is an effective means of providing new capabilities or pieces of equipment for use in theatre; since the latest campaign started in April 2006, 261 UORs have been approved, of which 108 have already been delivered.

Armed Forces: Orthopaedics

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many expert prosthetic therapists have been allocated to work with ex-service personnel;
	(2)  where ex-servicemen and women with prosthetic limbs will be treated;
	(3)  what the estimated long-term cost is of caring for military amputees; and whether provision was made in his Department's budget to cover these costs.

Derek Twigg: Service patients requiring prosthetic limbs will usually be treated at first in an NHS hospital, where they will be fitted with an initial basic limb. At the appropriate stage in their recovery they will be transferred to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) at Headley Court, Surrey.
	DMRC is run by the armed forces and contains the Complex Rehabilitation and Amputee Unit, which became fully operational on 1 June 2006. Here, an individually moulded and appropriate prosthetic limb is manufactured on site and tailored to the specific patient. MOD also has a contract with an external prosthetics provider, whose personnel attend DMRC and contribute to the assessment of the individual, A range of technicians and therapists will be involved in the day-to-day care and treatment, including those employed by the prosthetics contractor.
	A high priority is given to enabling personnel to return to service duty in the same or a similar role if at all possible. During their continuing service career, any routine maintenance of officially-issued prosthetics is provided by the Defence Medical Services at no additional cost to the individual. The costs for this are not recorded centrally, but provision is made in the overall Defence Medical Services budget for all such ongoing treatment and care.
	If it is not possible for the individual to be retained in the armed forces, or if the individual chooses to leave, they will receive treatment, including therapy and rehabilitation, at Headley Court until they are deemed to have reached a steady state of fitness. They are then taken through a transition from military to NHS care, which will include setting in place the appropriate ongoing medical support at their local NHS regional centre. The cost of such support becomes the responsibility of the: NHS when the individual leaves the service.

Armed Forces: Security

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice his Department issues to members of the armed forces on their personal protection when off duty; and whether he has any plans to update this guidance.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 5 February 2007
	All armed forces personnel receive mandatory security awareness training throughout their service; this includes threat briefings and guidance on personal security measures to be taken on and off duty. The content of these briefings is subject to continuous review and updated whenever required, informed by the latest threat assessments.

Armed Forces: Uniforms

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on UK personnel wearing non-UK insignia on uniforms; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Service personnel are permitted to wear foreign or commonwealth insignia providing that they have sought the appropriate permissions from HM the Queen through the relevant service branch of the Ministry of Defence. No more than two insignia and medal ribbons may be worn for one act of gallantry.

Armed Forces: Uniforms

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what assessment has been made of the usability and practicality of the uniform currently worn by British service personnel on operations;
	(2)  when modifications were last made to the uniform in use by service personnel on operations.

Adam Ingram: The uniform in use by service personnel on operations is generally Combat Soldier 95 (CS 95).
	Following extensive trials and testing, CS 95 was introduced in 1995 and was the world's first fully integrated combat-clothing system. CS 95 is practical to use, is based on the layering principle, and made from a more durable and faster drying material from that previously used. It has been designed to suit a range of extreme climatic conditions, including the desert, jungle and the Arctic.
	As part of the MOD's commitment to supply troops with modern, high quality equipment, the performance of CS 95 is continually assessed, not least via direct feedback from those who wear it. There have been no major modifications to CS 95. A number of changes have, however, been incorporated to the design including the replacement of sewn on buttons by taped buttons.

Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armoured vehicles were in active service with the Army in  (a) 1997 and  (b) 2007.

Adam Ingram: The number of armoured vehicles in active service with the Army in 1997 is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The total in active service as at 12 February 2007 is 3,780.
	Active service has been defined as those vehicles held at unit level, including those in training establishments and those deployed in operational theatres.

Bonuses

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria a civil servant in his Department must fulfil  (a) to be considered for a bonus on top of their regular salary and  (b) to be awarded a bonus.

Derek Twigg: For staff below the senior civil service the Department has a number of bonus schemes through which staff may be considered for an award on top of their regular salary:
	A non-consolidated performance bonus which is a feature of the current pay agreement. These additional financial awards will be given on the basis of relative assessment to those whose performance contributes most to the business.
	The special bonus scheme which rewards eligible MOD civilians for exceptional performance in a specific task or for the achievement of a professional qualification that benefits MOD and the individual. Recommendations are made by the immediate line manager, and are then authorised by a more senior manager.
	The minor award scheme is single instance recognition scheme related to performance. The aim is to provide rewards for one-off achievement rather than recognition of sustained performance in the job, which is more appropriately rewarded through the performance pay system. Recommendations are made by the immediate line manager, and are then authorised by a more senior manager.
	 For senior civil servants:
	The criteria for bonuses is set out in the Department's annual SCS pay strategy document. Bonuses are intended to reward SCS members who have made the highest personal in-year contribution to the Department's outputs or defence more widely.
	Assessments are based on the level of performance, the degree of challenge faced and their contribution to departmental business in relative terms to others in their pay band.
	For fixed term appointments, bonuses are based on performance against targets set annually. The level of bonus awards are set out in their contract.

Departmental Logos

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total expenditure on managing his Department's corporate identity and branding was in each year since 1997-98.

Derek Twigg: The Ministry of Defence engages in a range of public relations activities in order that the work of the MOD and armed forces is communicated to the general public. The information requested is not recorded as separate categories, is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departments: Conferences

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which  (a) conferences and  (b) away days were undertaken by staff in his Department in the last 12 months.

Des Browne: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. All staff participation at conferences and on away days is undertaken in accordance with service and civilian regulations that require such events to be arranged with due regard for economy in terms of financial expenditure and time away from the workplace.

Divorced Couples

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many divorced couples there were in the armed forces as a percentage of all married couples in the armed forces in each of the last five years.

Derek Twigg: The following table shows Army and RAF strength by marital status at 1 April for each of the last five years. Naval service data are not available as the Naval service groups 'separated', 'divorced' and 'widowed' together.
	Figures are for UK regular forces, and therefore exclude Gurkhas, full time reserve service personnel, the home service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment, mobilised reservists. Figures are for trained and untrained personnel including officer designates.
	
		
			  Army strength by marital status, as at 1 April each year 2002-06 
			   Number  Percentage of total 
			   Total  Single  Married  Divorced  Separated  Single  Married  Divorced  Separated 
			 2002 110,050 56,705 49,925 3,325 95 51.5 45.4 3.0 0.1 
			 2003 112,125 59,145 49,350 3,525 105 52.8 44.0 3.1 0.1 
			 2004 112,745 59,605 49,410 3,605 125 52.9 43.8 3.2 0.1 
			 2005 109,285 56,515 48,950 3,655 165 51.7 44.8 3.3 0.2 
			 2006 107,730 56,030 48,010 3,460 230 52.0 44.6 3.2 0.2 
			  Source: DASA Tri Service 
		
	
	Army officer designates marital status can only be identified as 'single' or 'married'.
	Single includes categories 'single' and 'widower'.
	Married includes the categories 'married (legally separated revoked)', 'married' and 'married (decree nisi revoked)'.
	Divorced includes the categories 'divorced nisi absolute' and 'single marriage annulled'.
	Separated includes the categories 'legally separated' and 'divorced decree nisi'.
	
		
			  Royal Air Force Strength by marital status, as at 1 April each year 2002-06 
			   Number  Percentage of total 
			   Total  Single  Married  Divorced  Separated  Single  Married  Divorced  Separated 
			 2002 53,00 0 19,27 0 29,280 2,070 2,385 36.4 55.2 3.9 4.5 
			 2003 53,24 0 20,52 0 28,370 2,065 2,285 38.5 53.3 3.9 4.3 
			 2004 53,39 0 21,48 0 27,560 2,060 2,290 40.2 51.6 3.9 4.3 
			 2005 51,87 0 20,50 5 26,950 2,115 2,295 39.5 52.0 4.1 4.4 
			 2006 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			 n/a = Not available  Source: DASA Tri Service 
		
	
	Single includes the categories 'single' and 'widower'.
	Divorced includes the categories 'divorce absolute' and 'marriage annulled'
	Separated includes the categories 'legal separation', 'divorced nisi' and 'estranged/mutually separated'.

EC Defence Policy

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the  (a) role and  (b) powers are of the Chairman of the Military Committee of the European Union; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: I refer the hon. Member to paragraph 4 of the Presidency Report on the European Security and Defence Policy at Annex IV to Annex VI of the European Council Conclusions which were approved by the European Council meeting in Nice, 7, 8, and 9 December 2000. A copy of which is available in the Library of the House. The roles and responsibilities of the Chairman of the Military Committee of the European Union are outlined as follows:
	The CEUMC is a Four-star flag officer on appointment, preferably a former Chief of Defence of an EU member state.
	He is selected by the Chief of Defence Staffs (CHODs) of the member states according to approved procedures and is appointed by the Council on the recommendation of the EUMC meeting at CHODs level.
	His term of office is in principle three years, except in exceptional circumstances.
	His authority is derived from the EUMC to which he is responsible. Acting in an international capacity, the CEUMC represents the EUMC at the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and the Council, as appropriate.
	As the Chairman of the EUMC, he:
	Chairs the EUMC meetings at MILREPs and CHODs levels;
	Is the spokesman of the EUMC and, as such:
	Participates as appropriate in the PSC with the right to contribute to discussions and attends the Council meetings when decisions with defence implications are to be taken.
	Performs the function of military adviser to the Secretary General/High Representative on all military matters, in particular, to ensure consistency within the EU Crisis Management Structure, conducts the works of the EUMC impartially and in order to reflect consensus.
	Acts on behalf of the EUMC in issuing directives and guidance to the DGEUMS.
	Acts as the primary point of contact (POC) with the Operation Commander during the EU's military operations.
	Liaises with the presidency in the development and implementation of its work programme.

Falkland Islands

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of maintaining the garrison on the Falklands in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Adam Ingram: In financial year 2005-06, the cost of the garrison on the Falkland Islands to the Chief of Joint Operations, who is responsible for maintaining UK forces there, was £143.3 million.

Iraq

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make public the results of the inquiry into the fatal attack on the Shatt-al-Arab waterway on 12 November.

Des Browne: The Service Police Report resulting from the Royal Military Police (Special Investigation Branch) investigation into the fatal attack of 12 November 2006 on British troops serving in Basra is not yet complete. Since they consider potential criminal or disciplinary issues, we do not normally make Service Police Reports public, although they are provided to the relevant Coroner's Office for use at the inquest.
	The Royal Navy and Army are in contact with the families of the deceased soldiers and will keep them informed of any developments.

Iraq: Biological Weapons

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what locations the Iraq Survey Group found evidence of latent biological weapons programmes in Iraq since 2003; and what material was found.

Des Browne: The findings of the Iraq Survey Group were published in Charles Duelfer's Comprehensive Report of the Special Advisor to the (US) Director of Central Intelligence of September 2004, finalised in March 2005. The report is available to the public on the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) website at:
	https://www.cia.gov/cia/reports/iraq_wmd_2004.

Iraq: Peace Keeping Operations

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many individuals are being detained by the Multinational Forces in Iraq; how many are being held without charge or trial; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: As at 9 February 2007, UK forces in Iraq held 118 individuals. Eight are on remand while their cases are heard by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq (CCCI). One has been convicted by the CCCI and is being held while arrangements are made for his transfer to the Iraqi prison service. The remainder are held as they are deemed to pose an imperative threat to security.
	All new UK internees have their cases reviewed by the Divisional Internment Review Committee (UK only) no later than 48 hours after they are apprehended, and then every 28 days thereafter. Cases are also reviewed by the Combined Review and Release Board (CRRB), a joint UK-Iraqi board, every three months. Individuals held for 18 months have their cases referred to the Joint Detention Committee (JDC) which is co-chaired by Prime Minister Maliki and the Commander Multi-National Force Iraq.
	The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has regular and open access to our detention facility and all our internees. The facility has also been visited by a team from the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights.
	As at 28 January 2007, I understand that the US held some 15,300 internees in Iraq.

Iraq: Peace Keeping Operations

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many individuals are being held by the British contingent of the Multi-National Force in Iraq; for how long each has been held; whether each has been charged or brought to trial; whether any has British nationality; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: As at 8 February 2007, UK Forces in Iraq held 118 individuals. Eight are on remand while their cases are heard by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq (CCCI). One has been convicted by the CCCI and is being held while arrangements are made for his transfer to the Iraqi prison service. The remainder are held as they are deemed to pose an imperative threat to security. One of those interned holds dual British-Iraqi nationality.
	Five have been held for more than two years (the convicted prisoner, two on remand, two internees)
	Five have been held for 18-24 months (five internees)
	22 have been held for 12-18 months (22 internees)
	45 have been held for 6-12 months (three on remand, 42 internees)
	41 have been held for 0-6 months (three on remand, 38 internees)
	All new UK internees have their cases reviewed by the Divisional Internment Review Committee (UK only) no later than 48 hours after they are apprehended, and then every 28 days thereafter. Cases are also reviewed by the Combined Review and Release Board (CRRB), a joint UK-Iraqi board, every three months. Individuals held for 18 months have their cases referred to the Joint Detention Committee (JDC) which is co-chaired by Prime Minister Maliki and the Commander Multi-National Force Iraq.

Iraq: Peace Keeping Operations

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the latest situation is with regard to the detention by the British contingent of the Multi-National Force in Iraq of UK/Iraqi national Abdul Razzaq Ali al-Jedda; whether he has been charged with any offence or brought to trial; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Mr. al-Jedda is held as a security internee by UK forces because he is suspected of membership of a terrorist group involved in weapons smuggling and explosive attacks in Iraq. It is assessed that he poses a threat to the lives of Multi-National Forces (MNF) servicemen and women, Iraqi security personnel and Iraqi civilians.
	His detention is pursuant to UNSCR 1546 which, read together with the letters annexed to it, authorises the MNF to detain persons where this is necessary for imperative reasons of security. This has been reaffirmed by subsequent resolutions (UNSCR 1723, November 2006), and effect is given to it by Iraqi Coalition Provisional Authority legislation. Although Mr. al-Jedda has not been charged with a specific offence or brought to trial, both the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal have held that his detention is legal.

Military Bases

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many full-time equivalent employees are employed by Babcock Naval Systems at  (a) Faslane Naval Base and  (b) Royal Naval Armament Depot, Coulport.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 9 January 2007,  Official Report, column 519W, to my hon. Friend the Member for North Ayrshire and Arran (Ms Clark).

MV Bugaled Breizh

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make an assessment of the evidence that has emerged from the French judicial inquiry into the sinking of the Bugaled Breizh for the purposes of clarifying the answers of  (a) 7 April 2005,  Official Report, column 1724W and  (b) 17 March 2005,  Official Report, column 411W, on the Bugaled Breizh trawler.

Adam Ingram: I have nothing to add to the answers I gave on 17 March 2005,  Official Report, columns 409-10W and 7 April 2005,  Official Report, columns 1724-25W, respectively about the loss of the French trawler Bugaled Breizh which were, and remain, factually correct. I have written separately to the hon. Member explaining this in reply to his letter of 19 January 2007.

NATO

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the outcome of the NATO Defence Ministers meeting on 8 and 9 February 2007.

Des Browne: The meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Seville on 8 and 9 February was an informal meeting, so no communiqué was issued and no formal decisions made. It was, however, an important opportunity for high-level discussions between Defence Ministers on NATO's operational commitments in Afghanistan and Kosovo; and, two months on from the Riga Summit, to review progress made in the continuing transformation of NATO's capabilities. In addition, Defence Ministers met with their Russian counterpart in the NATO-Russia Council, and with the seven partners of the Mediterranean Dialogue.

Peace Keeping Operations

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many soldiers have been injured in Iraq to the extent that they required hospitalisation in each year since 2003;
	(2)  how many soldiers have been injured in Afghanistan to the extent they required hospitalisation in each year since 2001.

Des Browne: The MOD is committed to publishing statistics on the number of service casualties on operations. Information on casualties and fatalities in Iraq and Afghanistan is published on the MOD website:
	http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/OperationsFactsheets
	Data is published for Iraq since the commencement of operations in March 2003. Figures for UK military personnel admitted to the role 3 field hospital, previously at Shaibah Logistics Base and now at Basra Air Station are given in the table. These figures may not include all those admitted to other field hospitals on early deployments or those admitted to coalition facilities as this information is not held centrally.
	
		
			  Table 1: Numbers admitted to role 3 field hospital Iraq by year 
			   Admissions to role 3 field hospital 
			 2003 2,641 
			 2004 2,212 
			 2005 1,557 
			 2006 1,252 
			 2007 (up to 15 January 2007) 35 
		
	
	Data is published on the same website for Afghanistan from 1 January 2006. The figures for admissions of UK military or civilian personnel to UK field hospitals are given as follows. We intend to provide further information on casualties in Afghanistan prior to 2006 on the MOD website in March of this year. Initially we will publish information for Seriously Injured (SI) and Very Seriously Injured (VSI) casualties.
	
		
			  Table 2: Numbers admitted UK field hospitals Afghanistan by year 
			   Admissions to UK field hospitals 
			 2006 240 
			 2007 (up to 15 January 2007) 20

RAF Brize Norton: Housing

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost of  (a) maintaining and  (b) refurbishing the Defence Housing estate at Brize Norton was in each year since 1997.

Derek Twigg: The information requested will take a little time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

RAF Coltishall and RAF Scampton

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 25 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1944W, on RAF Coltishall and RAF Scampton, what discussions his Department has had with the Home Department regarding the disposal of RAF Coltishall.

Derek Twigg: Discussions with the Home Office commenced last year and the Immigration and Nationality Directorate announced on 5 February its intention to purchase the site.

Red Arrows

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to ensure that the RAF Red Arrows display team will be based at RAF Scampton for at least the next three years.

Adam Ingram: As I stated in my answer of 27 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1944W, to the hon. Member, the RAF is conducting a study to consider basing options for the RAF Acrobatic Team. No decisions have yet been taken.

Red Arrows

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the budget of the RAF Red Arrows display team will be in 2007-08.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 15 January 2007,  Official Report, column 774W. The actual budget for 2007-08 will be determined nearer to the end of financial year 2006-07.

Submarines

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of submarines in support of EUFOR operations in the Congo, as referred to in Article 4 (vii) of the Agreement between the EU and Gabon on host nation status for over-the-horizon forces.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to my answer on 23 November 2006,  Official Report, column 172W.

Trident

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will extend the consultation period on the proposed replacement for Trident by three months.

Des Browne: On 4 December,  Official Report, column 21, the Prime Minister said that there would be "a very full process of debate". The Government have contributed to this debate in a number of different ways: for example, we have published a comprehensive White Paper; we have staged a full debate in the House of Lords; I have given a speech at King's College London; we have given wide-ranging evidence to the Defence Committee; and we have arranged visits for hon. Members to the Faslane Naval Base. Further events are also planned.
	It remains our intention, at the conclusion of the process, to have a full debate and vote in the House of Commons. No precise date has yet been fixed but it is likely to be in March.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Policing

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of levels of front-line policing; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The Frontline Policing Measure for 2005-06 indicated that officers in England and Wales spent 63.1 per cent. of their time on front line duties.

Alcohol Addiction

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been allocated in 2006-07 to treatment for alcohol addiction in prisons; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: A comprehensive strategy for tackling prisoners' alcohol problems is in place and a range of interventions is available in prisons for those with an alcohol dependency:
	clinical management including detoxification, in all local and remand prisons;
	the substance misuse service for 16 to 18-year-old prisoners (has a particular focus on alcohol);
	Alcoholics Anonymous run groups in around 50 per cent. of prisons;
	an information pack and awareness video is available for all prisoners; and
	where alcohol is part of a wider substance misuse problem, the full range of drug interventions are available.
	The funding allocation specifically for alcohol treatment is not collated.

Antisocial Behaviour

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made towards the Government's target to reduce antisocial behaviour.

Phyllis Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the use of antisocial behaviour orders.

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent estimate he has made of numbers of breaches of antisocial behaviour orders; and if he will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: For the period to December 2005, 47 per cent. of ASBOs were breached. The effectiveness of the Government's antisocial behaviour policies has been assessed in two key independent reports published last year, by the National Audit Office and by the Youth Justice Board. Both confirmed that our twin track approach of support and enforcement is effective in protecting communities from antisocial behaviour. This is bringing resultsnationally, the percentage of people who perceive high levels of antisocial behaviour has fallen from 21 per cent. in 2002-03 to 17 per cent. in 2005-06. This is the true measure of our success.

Antisocial Behaviour

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with representatives of local government on tackling antisocial behaviour.

Tony McNulty: We are continuing to work closely with colleagues in local government to deliver the Respect Action Plan and other measures to tackle antisocial behaviour. We recently announced 40 Respect Areas, which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary launched on 22 January 2007. My right hon. Friend has also attended a parenting event as part of new 4 million funding for 77 local authorities to employ parenting experts to help families whose children are involved in, or at risk of exhibiting, antisocial behaviour.

Antisocial Behaviour

Sarah McCarthy-Fry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of antisocial behaviour orders issued in Portsmouth.

Vernon Coaker: Portsmouth city council is one of only six local authorities nationwide to have been shortlisted for a Beacon Award for preventing and tackling antisocial behaviour, which is a positive reflection of their success in making good use of the full range of tools and powers that we have made available to them.
	The effectiveness of the Government's antisocial behaviour policies was assessed in two key independent reports published last year by the National Audit Office and by the Youth Justice Board. Both confirmed that our twin track approach of support and enforcement is effective in protecting communities from antisocial behaviour. This is bringing resultsnationally, the percentage of people who perceive high levels of antisocial behaviour has fallen from 21 per cent. in 2002-03 to 17 per cent. in 2005-06.

Residency Rights

David Heathcoat-Amory: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many European Economic Area nationals gained residency rights in the UK during 2006.

Joan Ryan: Figures for 2006 will not be available until August 2007.
	Figures for 2005(1) for EEA nationals who requested confirmation of residency rights or permanent residency in the UK are as follows:
	(1)These figures come from HO Statistical Bulletin 09/06, Persons Granted British Citizenship, United Kingdom, 2005, published by IRSS on 23 May 2006.
	
		
			   Number 
			 Granted residency rights 25,290 
			 Refused residency rights 2,875 
			 Granted permanent leave to remain 6,730 
			 Refused permanent leave to remain 1,455 
			 Total granted in 2005 32,020 
			 Total refused in 2005 4,330

Prisons

Richard Bacon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on prison capacity.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Since 1997 we have increased prison capacity by nearly 20,000 places.
	The Home Secretary has announced plans to increase capacity by a further 10,000 places. Around 2,500 of those places will be delivered in 2007.

Probation Service

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent submissions he has received on reform of the probation service; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I have received correspondence from a wide range of Members of this House, writing on behalf of their constituents, as well as correspondence and briefing from key stakeholders. I have also held meetings with Members and with stakeholders to discuss our proposals for reform of the probation service.

Landlords

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many landlords were prosecuted for allowing drunkenness or riotous behaviour in their premises in the last year for which statistics are available.

Vernon Coaker: There were 10 prosecutions resulting in four convictions in 2005 for the offence of allowing drunkenness or riotous behaviour in licensed premises under the Licensing (Occasional Permissions) Act 1983. The Licensing Act 2003 repealed the 1983 Act when it came into effect on 24 November 2005 and created separate offences of allowing disorderly conduct on licensed premises and selling alcohol to people who are drunk. Conviction of each offence can lead to suspension or forfeiture of personal licences and a maximum fine of 1,000.

Agency Funding Requests

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures his Department has in place for processing funding requests from departmental agencies.

John Reid: Agencies submit cash forecasts to the Home Office, which in turn are incorporated into the forecast monthly cash requirement for the Department. This is submitted to the Treasury under its cash management scheme and this forecast dictates the supply required.
	On the first working day of the month the Treasury issues the Home Office with the funding requested and the Home Office in turn then supplies funds to the agencies as requested. The transfer of these funds is made by RFT (Request For Transfer)a same day payment method for making payments from one Office of the Paymaster General account to another.

Animal Experiments

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made by the Inter-departmental Group on the 3Rs (reduction, replacement and refinement) on the merits of accelerating progress in implementing non-animal techniques in toxicology.

Joan Ryan: The Government fully accept the need to facilitate progress in identifying, developing, validating and implementing scientifically satisfactory and practicable advanced methods which reduce, replace and refine the use of animals in toxicology studies. This is reflected in the terms of reference of the Inter-Departmental Group on the 3Rs which are:
	to improve the application of the 3Rs and promote research into alternatives, reducing the need for toxicity testing through better sharing of data, and encouraging the validation and acceptance of alternatives.
	The Group, which is led by the Home Office, aims to ensure that United Kingdom regulators are abreast of progress made with the 3RS and that United Kingdom Government representatives are well informed and properly briefed to enable them to formulate 3Rs-related policies and to negotiate at international level. They also aim to identify areas of regulatory testing where 3Rs activities should be prioritised.
	The Group's consideration of developments in alternatives is wide ranging and includes areas such as teratogenicity and carcinogenicity studies, marine biotoxin testing (food safety), the testing of biologicals and vaccines (for example, botulinum toxin in medical products) and inhalation toxicology testing as well as wider progress in pharmaceutical research and development.

Crimes of Violence: Home Detention Curfews

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of prisoners sentenced for crimes involving violence have been granted home detention curfews in the last 12 months.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Information on the number of prisoners serving sentences for violent offences released on the Home Detention Curfew release scheme (HDC) can be found in Table 10.19 in the Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2005 which can be found at the following website:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs07/hosb1806section10.xls
	It should be noted that serious violent offenders serving extended sentences for serious violent offences are statutorily ineligible for release on HDC. Eligible prisoners are not granted HDC unless they pass a careful risk assessment.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system, and although shown to the last individual, the figures may not be accurate to that level.
	As noted in the footnote to table 10.19, investigations suggest that around 5 per cent. of offence types recorded on this system do not relate to the offence they were released on HDC for, but relate to offences committed after release from prison and before the licence expiry date for their sentence. Our inquiries have shown that this is the case with the two offenders classified as sexual offenders in table 10.19.

Crimes of Violence: Homosexuality

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking to tackle homophobic hate crime.

Vernon Coaker: All hate crime, including homophobic hate crime, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Any crime can be motivated by hate and victims of hate crime may have additional needs because of its very personal nature.
	In December 2006 we produced guidance with examples of good practice of what is being done to tackle homophobic hate crime across the country. This can be found at: http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/sexual028.htm.
	This includes ways to increase reporting, because it is an under reported crime, increasing confidence in the criminal justice system, improving the way we tackle hate crime and better use of data so as to prevent repeat victimisation, hate crime must be taken seriously and its perpetrators held to account for their actions.

Deportation

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many failed asylum seekers were deported in each of the last 12 months.

Liam Byrne: The following table shows the number of asylum applicants removed from the UK between October 2005 and September 2006, by month. This is the latest 12-month period for which figures can be provided: figures for the final quarter of 2006 are scheduled for release on 27 February and prior release is not permitted under the National Statistics Code of Practice.
	It is not possible to say which stage in the asylum process applicants have reached at the time of their removal, as those departing voluntarily can do so at any stage.
	Deportations are a specific subset of removals which are enforced either following a criminal conviction or when it is judged that a person's removal from the UK is conducive to the public good; the deportation order prohibits the person returning to the UK until such time as it may be revoked. This is different from the removal of illegal entrants, persons who breach their conditions of leave, including overstayers, or persons who seek/obtain leave to remain by deception that are administratively removed, but not banned from returning to the UK.
	Statistics on deportation action are obtained annually. This information is not available for 2005 owing to data quality issues. The immigration and nationality directorate is currently putting in place new processes to improve its data collection systems for the future in this area.
	Published statistics on immigration and asylum are available on the Home Office's Research Development and Statistics website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html
	
		
			  Removals, voluntary departures and assisted returns( 1)  of asylum applicants, including dependants, October 2005 to September 2006( 2, 3) 
			  Number 
			   October 2005  November 2005  December 2005  January 2006  February 2006  March 2006 
			 Total asylum applicants removed 1,360 1,585 1,265 1,345 1,680 1,905 
			  Of whom:   
			 Principal asylum applicants(4) 1,200 1,345 1,115 1,175 1,465 1,690 
			  Of whom:   
			 Dependants of asylum applicants 160 240 150 165 215 215 
		
	
	
		
			  Number 
			   April 2006  May 2006  June 2006  July 2006  August 2006  September 2006 
			 Total asylum applicants removed 1,735 1,670 1,665 1,170 1,325 1,140 
			  Of whom:   
			 Principal asylum applicants(4) 1,525 1,490 1,465 1,050 1,225 1,020 
			  Of whom:   
			 Dependants of asylum applicants 210 180 200 120 100 125 
			 (1) Includes enforced removals, persons departing 'voluntarily' after enforcement action had been initiated against them, persons leaving under Assisted Voluntary Return Programmes run by the International Organisation for Migration and those who it is established have left the UK without informing the immigration authorities. (2) Figures are rounded to the nearest five and may not sum due to rounding. (3) Provisional figures. (4) Persons who had sought asylum at some stage, excluding dependants.

Domestic Violence

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many domestic violence prosecutions were undertaken in each English police region in each year since 1997.

Tony McNulty: The CPS holds records of proceedings for domestic violence cases since the full implementation of the compass case management system. The following tables show the number of prosecutions for domestic violence cases completed in each of the 42 areas of the CPS in 2005 and in 2006, together with the number and the proportion of cases resulting in conviction and in an unsuccessful outcome.
	
		
			  Proceedings for domestic violence: 2005 
			   Number of convictions  Percentage  Number of unsuccessful outcomes  Percentage  Total 
			 Avon and Somerset 750 67.1 367 32.9 1,117 
			 Bedfordshire 189 44.3 238 55.7 427 
			 Cambridgeshire 333 62.1 203 37.9 536 
			 Cheshire 578 64.9 312 35.1 890 
			 Cleveland 371 65.7 194 34.3 565 
			 Cumbria 292 61.1 186 38.9 478 
			 Derbyshire 673 56.1 526 43.9 1,199 
			 Devon and Cornwall 726 54.3 612 45.7 1,338 
			 Dorset 276 64.8 150 35.2 426 
			 Durham 401 75.0 134 25.0 535 
			 Dyfed Powys 172 61.6 107 38.4 279 
			 Essex 661 52.5 597 47.5 1,258 
			 Gloucestershire 440 67.7 210 32.3 650 
			 Greater Manchester 1,285 65.8 668 34.2 1,953 
			 Gwent 288 59.8 194 40.2 482 
			 Hampshire and IOW 906 60.8 583 39.2 1,489 
			 Hertfordshire 477 51.5 449 48.5 926 
			 Humberside 441 75.8 141 24.2 582 
			 Kent 437 64.2 244 35.8 681 
			 Lancashire 1,089 72.0 424 28.0 1,513 
			 Leicestershire 523 59.8 351 40.2 874 
			 Lincolnshire 249 57.5 184 42.5 433 
			 London 2,067 51.0 1,982 49.0 4,049 
			 Merseyside 770 51.5 724 48.5 1,494 
			 Norfolk 421 71.0 172 29.0 593 
			 Northamptonshire 326 59.4 223 40.6 549 
			 Northumbria 950 66.7 474 33.3 1,424 
			 North Wales 454 68.2 212 31.8 666 
			 North Yorkshire 334 58.3 239 41.7 573 
			 Nottinghamshire 550 53.2 483 46.8 1,033 
			 South Wales 678 52.2 622 47.8 1,300 
			 South Yorkshire 751 66.3 382 33.7 1,133 
			 Staffordshire 800 47.9 869 52.1 1,669 
			 Suffolk 428 63.7 244 36.3 672 
			 Surrey 248 53.0 220 47.0 468 
			 Sussex 656 57.4 487 42.6 1,143 
			 Thames Valley 832 57.5 615 42.5 1,447 
			 Warwickshire 98 77.2 29 22.8 127 
			 West Mercia 423 51.0 406 49.0 829 
			 West Midlands 1,761 59.5 1,199 40.5 2,960 
			 West Yorkshire 1,605 55.8 1,271 44.2 2,876 
			 Wiltshire 405 66.6 203 33.4 608 
			 Total 26,114 59.0 18,130 41.0 44,244 
		
	
	
		
			  Proceedings for domestic violence: 2006 
			   Number of convictions  Percentage  Number of unsuccessful outcomes  Percentage  Total 
			 Avon and Somerset 986 66.4 499 33.6 1,485 
			 Bedfordshire 334 55.1 272 44.9 606 
			 Cambridgeshire 378 62.2 230 37.8 608 
			 Cheshire 870 64.7 474 35.3 1,344 
			 Cleveland 570 67.9 270 32.1 840 
			 Cumbria 327 66.3 166 33.7 493 
			 Derbyshire 738 61.1 470 38.9 1,208 
			 Devon and Cornwall 823 64.3 456 35.7 1,279 
			 Dorset 425 66.8 211 33.2 636 
			 Durham 589 71.5 235 28.5 824 
			 Dyfed Powys 297 70.9 122 29.1 419 
			 Essex 709 61.5 443 38.5 1,152 
			 Gloucestershire 485 69.4 214 30.6 699 
			 Greater Manchester 2,169 68.3 1,008 31.7 3,177 
			 Gwent 438 64.5 241 35.5 679 
			 Hampshire and IOW 1,243 67.5 598 32.5 1,841 
			 Hertfordshire 492 57.6 362 42.4 854 
			 Humberside 734 76.3 228 23.7 962 
			 Kent 811 68.0 382 32.0 1,193 
			 Lancashire 1,653 66.0 852 34.0 2,505 
			 Leicestershire 766 59.1 531 40.9 1,297 
			 Lincolnshire 393 71.2 159 28.8 552 
			 London 3,338 53.5 2,905 46.5 6,243 
			 Merseyside 1,157 59.3 795 40.7 1,952 
			 Norfolk 571 76.0 180 24.0 751 
			 Northamptonshire 332 57.3 247 42.7 579 
			 Northumbria 1,115 66.8 554 33.2 1,669 
			 North Wales 599 70.4 252 29.6 851 
			 North Yorkshire 356 62.9 210 37.1 566 
			 Nottinghamshire 676 59.4 463 40.6 1,139 
			 South Wales 849 62.4 511 37.6 1,360 
			 South Yorkshire 1,210 70.8 500 29.2 1,710 
			 Staffordshire 1,032 65.2 550 34.8 1,582 
			 Suffolk 652 76.7 198 23.3 850 
			 Surrey 214 59.0 149 41.0 363 
			 Sussex 754 59.8 506 40.2 1,260 
			 Thames Valley 1,303 60.0 867 40.0 2,170 
			 Warwickshire 156 76.8 47 23.2 203 
			 West Mercia 507 63.1 297 36.9 804 
			 West Midlands 2,558 60.5 1,669 39.5 4,227 
			 West Yorkshire 1,749 62.8 1,034 37.2 2,783 
			 Wiltshire 462 66.4 234 33.6 696 
			 Total 35,820 63.5 20,591 36.5 56,411

Homicide: Young Offenders

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many teenagers were convicted of murder in each of the last 10 years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Data from the court proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform for the number of young persons (10-17, and 18-20) convicted at all courts for murder offences in England and Wales 1996-2005 can be found in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of young persons convicted at all courts for murder offences in England and Wales 1996-2005( 1,2,3) 
			   10-17  18-20 
			 1996 26 24 
			 1997 26 26 
			 1998 10 21 
			 1999 24 24 
			 2000 20 22 
			 2001 27 26 
			 2002 20 23 
			 2003 9 35 
			 2004 13 42 
			 2005 26 40 
			 Total 211 296 
			 (1) These data are on the principal offence basis. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (3) Staffordshire police force were only able to submit sample data for persons proceeded against and convicted in the magistrates courts for the year 2000. Although sufficient to estimate higher orders of data, these data are not robust enough at a detailed level and have been excluded from the table.  Source: RDS Office for Criminal Justice Reform

Human Trafficking

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ask the trafficking victims who he meets when he visits the Poppy Project on Monday 12 February how old they were when they arrived in the UK and which point of entry they arrived through.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 9 February 2007
	The Secretary of State for the Home Department did not visit the Poppy project on Monday 12 February.

Identity Cards

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what requirements will be made of organisations accredited for the identity verification service.

John Reid: The detailed terms and conditions that an organisation must agree to in order to become an accredited user of future identity verification services based on the National Identity Register have not yet been finalised.

Mount Prison

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners held in HM Prison The Mount  (a) are non-British EU nationals,  (b) are non-EU foreign nationals,  (c) are seeking leave to remain in the United Kingdom and  (d) have been UK residents for less than 10 years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: At the end of December 2006 there were 56 non-British European Union nationals and 236 non-EU foreign nationals detained in the Mount prison. Information on parts  (c) and  (d) of the question could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system, and although shown to the last individual the figures may not be accurate to that level.

North Sea Camp Prison: Asbestos

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to remove asbestos from buildings at North Sea Camp prison, Lincolnshire.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There are no plans to remove the asbestos due to lack of significant capital funding. All asbestos is inspected on an annual basis and any deterioration is addressed through normal maintenance procedures.
	Current inspection reports do not show any serious deterioration and the asbestos is stable. However, funding is being sought to re-clad the buildings as good practice. No asbestos is ever worked on by unauthorised personnel and strict adherence to the health and safety regulations and requirements are maintained by the on-site maintenance manager and his staff.

Police

Linda Riordan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will discuss with police forces ways to identify and close down websites which advocate anorexia and suicide.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Advocating anorexia and/or suicide is not necessarily illegal. Nevertheless, the Government take this difficult problem seriously and are taking a range of non-legislative steps to tackle it, including raising awareness of the potential dangers of suicide websites being accessed by vulnerable people; encouraging search engine companies to ensure that search results give prominence to sites offering help and support to people contemplating suicide. The Department of Health is also continuing to explore what more non-legislative action might be possible in the context of their Suicide Prevention Strategy. The Government have no plans to discuss this issue with the police.
	Positive co-operation exists between internet service providers and law enforcement agencies. One example of that is the acceptable use policies in place in most service providers. These vary between companies but may enable service providers to remove material from their site not only if it is illegal but also if it is distasteful or otherwise unacceptable. Anyone who is concerned about the content of a website should approach the internet service provider in the first instance.

Police

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether non-geographic police forces are governed by the same complaints procedures as national police forces.

Tony McNulty: Under S26 of the Police Reform Act 2002 the IPCC may enter into an agreement with any other authority 'which maintains a body of constables' in order to apply the police complaints system to that body of constables and anyone employed for the purposes of that body of constables. Such agreements require the approval of the Secretary of State. Agreements have been approved in respect of the following non-geographic police forces British Transport Police, the Ministry of Defence Police and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (now the Civil Nuclear Constabulary).

Prison Officers Association

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the investigation by Tom Murtagh into professional standards of the Prison Officers' Association Executive Committee to conclude; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The investigation by Mr. Tom Murtagh was cancelled on the basis of legal advice.

Prison Service: Corruption

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in the pursuit of which activities prison officers were found to be corrupt in the last period for which figures are available; and what steps he plans to take to reduce the incidence of corruption among prison staff.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The activities engaged in by prisons staff who have been found to be corrupt include theft, unauthorised disclosure of information, trafficking illegal or prohibited items into prisons, and inappropriate relationships. It is not possible to provide precise figures as data held centrally on staff corruption is held in individual personal records. To obtain figures on prison officers found to be corrupt would involve interrogation of each individual record and would be at disproportionate cost.
	The Prison Service is currently in the process of building on its strategy of tackling staff corruption established in 2003 and strengthening its approach.

Prisoners: Mentally Ill

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what percentage of prisoners are diagnosed as having a mental illness.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Diagnostic information on individual prisoners is not held centrally.
	A survey, Psychiatric Morbidity among Prisoners in England and Wales (Office for National Statistics, 1997) showed that 90 per cent. of prisoners had at least one significant mental health problem, including personality disorder, psychosis, neurosis, alcohol misuse and drug dependence. A copy is available in the Library.
	Mental health services for prisoners have been a key part of the Government's recent reforms of health services for prisoners. The Department of Health is now investing 20 million a year in NHS mental health in-reach services for prisoners. These are community mental health teams working within 102 prisons, with some 360 extra staff employed. Every prison in England and Wales has access to these services.

Race-related Crime

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Romford of 9 February 2006,  Official Report, column 143W, on race-related crime, what policy proposals have been made following the meetings with key stakeholders to tackle homophobic hate crime more effectively.

Vernon Coaker: All hate crime, including homophobic hate crime, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Any crime can be motivated by hate and victims of hate crime may have additional needs because of its very personal nature.
	In December 2006 we produced guidance with examples of good practice of what is being done to tackle homophobic hate crime across the country. This can be found at: http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/sexual028.htm.
	This includes ways to increase reporting, because it is an under reported crime, increasing confidence in the criminal justice system, improving the way we tackle hate crime and better use of data so as to prevent repeat victimisation, hate crime must be taken seriously and its perpetrators held to account for their actions.

Road Traffic Offences

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the surveillance capacity of intelligent road studs, with particular reference to the image quality of the photographs they are capable of taking; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: We are aware of only one company which claims to have developed or to be able to develop intelligent road studs which could be used in speed enforcement.
	The Home Office Scientific Development Branch invited the company to demonstrate or provide details of its equipment. They have now formally written to HOSDB, and we will be considering their response.

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions restraint techniques were used in each of the four secure training centres in each of the last three years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The information requested, as reported by the secure training centres, is given in the following table. The figures show the use of Physical Control in Care techniques. These include low-level interventions, such as leading a young person away from a situation of potential conflict.
	The Youth Justice Board has been working with establishments across the secure estate for children and young people to agree common definitions and counting rules for collecting data on physical interventions. These should make it easier to make comparisons between different types of establishment. They will come into use from April 2007.
	
		
			  Use of restraint in secure training centres, 2004-06 
			   2004  2005( 1)  2006 
			 Rainsbrook(2) 682 573 426 
			 Medway 1,958 1,646 1,114 
			 Hassockfield 853 1,001 615 
			 Oakhill(3) 234 1,065 833 
			 (1) The figures for Rainsbrook and Oakhill have been slightly revised since this information was given in response to my hon. Friend's question of 2 June 2006,  Official Report, column 67W. (2) Establishment increased by 11 places from 31 July 2006 (3) Opened 19 August 2004.

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions handcuffs have been used on trainees in each of the four secure training centres in the last 12 months.

Gerry Sutcliffe: During 2006, handcuffs were used at Hassockfield secure training centre on 36 occasions and at Oakhill on eight. They were not used at either Medway or Rainsbrook.

Sentencing: EU Action

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what competence the EU has in the field of sentencing policy.

Joan Ryan: The EU can require criminal penalties for certain kinds of act (for example, acts relating to terrorism and drug trafficking). But EU legislation on criminal law matters has given member states a wide margin of discretion in providing for penalties. Sentencing policy and the imposition of sentences in individual cases is a matter for member states.

Sexual Offences: Sentencing

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the period of minimum sentences issued to serious sex offenders.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Government have no plans to introduce mandatory minimum sentences for offenders committing serious sexual offences and no such sentences are currently available. The sentence of mandatory life imprisonment for a second serious sexual offence was replaced by the public protection sentences introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2003the Extended sentence for Public Protection (EPP) and the Indeterminate Sentence for Public Protection (IPP).
	Serious sex offenders whom the courts consider to be dangerous will receive a sentence of imprisonment for public protection, which means they will only be released if and when the parole board considers that to be safe.

Terrorism: Greater London

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many outstanding claims by victims of the 7 July London terrorist attack are being considered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Gerry Sutcliffe: To date the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) have made some 420 compensation awards totalling over 3 million to victims of the London bombings. The Government also donated 3.5 million to the London Bombings Relief Charitable Fund, which was passed on to victims in the form of charitable grants.
	CICA aim to settle the claims as quickly as they can but, before they can pay compensation, they need police, medical and, where appropriate, other reports in order to establish eligibility and the amount of compensation due. In cases where final settlement is not yet possible, but basic entitlement has been established, CICA have paid an interim award or awards.
	At close of business on 6 February 2007, CICA had received 566 applications arising from the London bombings of 7 July 2005, and applications are still being received.
	Of these 566 applications, 142 applicants had not yet received a final decision on their application, though interim awards had been made in 105 of these cases. A further 60 cases were at the review stage, at the request of the applicant (the first level of appeal in a two-tier appeals system); and in two further cases the applicant was appealing the reviewed decision to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel (the second tier of the appeals system).

Wellingborough Prison

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what capacity HMP Wellingborough was operating at the end of  (a) 1997,  (b) 2006 and  (c) in the most recent month for which figures are available.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The total operational capacity at HM Prison Wellingborough was:
	 (a) 322 on 26 December 1997
	 (b) 646 on 29 December 2006
	 (c) 646 on 31 January 2007

Work Permits: Public Sector

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of work permits were granted for public sector employment in each of the last five years.

John Reid: The information is not centrally recorded and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Adult Dependency Allowance

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what his most recent estimate is of the number of people eligible for adult dependency allowance who have not taken up their entitlement;
	(2)  what steps he is taking to ensure that pensioners entitled to the adult dependency allowance are aware of it;
	(3)  how much his Department spent in each of the last five years for which records are available on advertising the adult dependency allowance.

James Purnell: The information on the number of people who are eligible for adult dependency increase who have not taken up their entitlement is not available.
	DWP promotes adult dependency increase in a number of products but has not done any specific advertising campaign on this benefit. The Pension Service website carries full details of the adult dependency increase, including a copy of the relevant claim form (BF225) that can be printed off and completed by the customer.
	People can get information on adult dependency increase from a number of leaflets including leaflet RM1RetirementA guide to benefits for people who are retiring or have retired. RM1 can be downloaded from our website:
	www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/
	or can be ordered by customers online, by telephone or in writing.
	As part of the process for claiming state pension, customers are asked if they would like to claim additional state pension for their spouse or someone who cares for their children.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Group

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many members there are of the Ministerial Group reviewing industry policy on carbon monoxide poisoning; how many times this group has met; how much the group has cost to run; and when it is due to report.

Anne McGuire: The Ministerial Group has not yet met. The Group is expected to comprise Ministers from the Department for Work and Pensions, Department of Communities and Local Government, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the devolved administrations. In preparation for the Ministerial Group's work a supporting officials' group has met twice.
	The business of the Ministerial group will be reported on HSE's website, as appropriate.

Carers

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many carers providing care for 20 or more hours a week are excluded from the pensions system because they are caring for people in lower rate disability living allowance.

James Purnell: The current pension system recognises those caring for 35 hours or more. Care of severely disabled people is recognised through carer's allowance, and through home responsibilities protection although it is more likely to be awarded in respect of care of children.
	Those awarded carer's allowance get a class 1 national insurance credit which counts towards their basic state pension. Those receiving child benefit for a child under 16 get home responsibilities protection. Since 2002 those awarded carer's allowance, and child benefit for a child under six accrue state second pension.
	To be eligible for carer's allowance or home responsibilities protection a person must be caring for someone in receipt of a qualifying disability benefitattendance allowance, the middle or highest rate care component of disability living allowance or constant attendance allowance paid with certain industrial injuries benefits.
	Analysis of the Family Resources Survey shows that of those people who currently report they are caring for at least 20 hours a week around 120,000 are not building entitlement to the basic state pension and around 240,000 are not accruing entitlement to state second pension. It is possible that some of these people will be caring for people with lower rate disability living allowance, but due to data limitations it is not possible to say precisely how many.

Carers Allowances

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people received carer's allowance in  (a) Peterborough in each year since 1997 and  (b) in England in each year since 2004.

Anne McGuire: The administration of carer's allowance is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Disability and Carers Service, Mr. Terry Moran. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Terry Moran, dated 19 February 2007:
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people received carer's allowance in (a) Peterborough in each year since 1997 and (b) in England in each year since 2004.
	The Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire MP, promised you a substantive reply from the Chief Executive of the Disability and Carers Service.
	The information available is in the attached annexes.
	
		
			  Annex 1: Carer's allowance?entitled cases in Peterborough 
			  Thousand 
			  As at May each year 
			   2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000 
			 Peterborough local authority 2.21 2.07 1.94 1.74 1.49 1.39 1.27 
			 Peterborough parliamentary constituency 1.43 1.37 1.30 1.18 1.00 0.93 0.85 
			  Notes: Entitled cases totals show the number of people who are entitled to receive CA, including those who receive no actual payment. Carers entitled to receive CA may be paid the benefit, or not paid it because they receive an overlapping benefit equal to or greater than their weekly rate of CA. 'Claimant receiving benefit' cases cannot be distinguished from 'Entitled' cases prior to August 2003. Parliamentary Constituencies are those used for the Westminster Parliament.  Source: DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study. Definitions and Conventions: Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest ten; Some additional disclosure control has also been applied. 
		
	
	
		
			  Annex 2: Carer's allowance in England?entitled cases and cases in payment 
			  Thousand 
			  As at May each year:  Total entitled  Entitlement only  Claimant receiving benefit  Entitled, payment status unknown 
			 2006 643.09 263.91 379.18 ? 
			 2005 601.05 233.25 367.80 ? 
			 2004 558.56 208.07 350.49 ? 
			  Notes: Entitled cases totals show the number of people who are entitled to receive CA, including those who receive no actual payment.  Carers entitled to receive CA may be paid the benefit, or not paid it because they receive an overlapping benefit equal to or greater than their weekly rate of CA. 'Claimant receiving benefit' cases cannot be distinguished from 'Entitled' cases prior to August 2003. England totals have been derived by summing individual Government Office Region totals.  Source: DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study. Definitions and Conventions - Nil or Negligible;. Not applicable; caseload figures are rounded to the nearest ten; Some additional disclosure control has also been applied. Totals may not sum due to rounding

Child Support Agency

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many parents in Midlothian constituency have an outstanding claim being handled by the Child Support Agency.

James Plaskitt: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive. He will write to my hon. Friend with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 19 February 2007:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many parents in Midlothian constituency have an outstanding claim being handled by the Child Support Agency.
	The Agency begins to process new applications as soon as they are received and continues until they have been cleared. Any applications that have not yet been cleared can be regarded as outstanding. The amount of work required to achieve clearance and the elapsed time it involves varies considerably depending on, amongst other things, the circumstances of the parents and how readily they cooperate with the Agency.
	I am sorry that it is not possible to provide all the information you have requested as the computer system in use from 1993 does not hold data at the level of individual constituencies for uncleared cases. It is possible, however, to provide data held on the new computer system introduced in March 2003 at the level you request. This information, which is publicly available, relates to the number of uncleared applications on the new computer system (both new and old scheme) in December 2006 in each parliamentary constituency, and can be found in Table S2b of the December 2006 Child Support Agency Quarterly Summary of Statistics, a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library, or on the internet via the following link:
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/child_support/csa_quarterly_dec06.asp
	It should be noted, however, that as the two computer systems continue to run in parallel, the information provided does not present a complete picture of the total number of uncleared cases in Midlothian.
	Moreover, it should be noted that there are always applications for which the Agency cannot assign a constituency, either because they had been received directly via Jobcentre Plus and had not reached the point in the process at which details on the constituency of the parent with care can be identified, or because the application is on the old computer system from which it is not possible to provide robust estimates at the geographical level requested. In December 2006, there were around 61,000 such applications.
	At a national level the total volume of uncleared applications was 334,500 in May 1999, the earliest month for which data is available, and this has fallen to 238,400 in December 2006. The Agency recognises that while the number of uncleared applications has fallen significantly, it remains unacceptably high, and our challenge, as set out in our Operational Improvement Plan, is that the Agency should not have a backlog in this area by March 2009.
	I hope you find this answer helpful.

Child Support Agency

Jim Devine: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many parents in Livingston constituency have an outstanding claim being handled by the Child Support Agency.

James Plaskitt: The administration of the Child Support Agency is the matter for the Chief Executive. He will write to my hon. Friend with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 19 February 2007:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question abut the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many parents in Livingston constituency have an outstanding claim being handled by the Child Support Agency.
	The Agency begins to process new applications as soon as they are received and continues until they have been cleared. Any applications that have not yet been cleared can be regarded as outstanding. The amount of work required to achieve clearance and the elapsed time it involves varies considerably depending on, amongst other things, the circumstances of the parents and how readily they cooperate with the Agency.
	I am sorry that it is not possible to provide all the information you have requested as the computer system in use from 1993 does not hold data at the level of individual constituencies for uncleared cases. It is possible, however, to provide data held on the new computer system introduced in March 2003 at the level you request. This information, which is publicly available, relates to the number of uncleared applications on the new computer system (both new and old scheme) in December 2006 in each parliamentary constituency, and can be found in Table S2b of the December 2006 Child Support Agency Quarterly Summary of Statistics, a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library, or on the internet via the following link:
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/child_support/csa_quarterly_dec06.asp
	It should be noted, however, that as the two computer systems continue to run in parallel, the information provided does not present a complete picture of the total number of uncleared cases in Livingston.
	Moreover, it should be noted that there are always applications for which the Agency cannot assign a constituency, either because they had been received directly via Jobcentre Plus and had not reached the point in the process at which details on the constituency of the parent with care can be identified, or because the application is on the old computer system from which it is not possible to provide robust estimates at the geographical level requested. In December 2006, there were around 61,000 such applications.
	At a national level the total volume of uncleared applications was 334,500 in May 1999, the earliest month for which data is available, and this has fallen to 238,400 in December 2006. The Agency recognises that while the number of uncleared applications has fallen significantly, it remains unacceptably high, and our challenge, as set out in our Operational Improvement Plan, is that the Agency should not have a backlog in this area by March 2009.
	I hope you find this answer helpful.

Children: Poverty

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent representations he has received on his targets to reduce child poverty.

Jim Murphy: Ministers meet with key stakeholders on a regular basis and respond to a large amount of correspondence, from various organisations and bodies, on our targets to further reduce the level of child poverty.

Children: Prisoners

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the proportion of children of prisoners who are living in poverty.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 5 February 2007
	The information requested is not available.

Consultancy Fees

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which 10 consultancy fees charged to his Department since May 1997 were the most expensive.

Anne McGuire: Management information records are available from April 2004 and the 10 most expensive consultancy fees charged to the Department since then are reflected in the following table. Note that the values are those on the contract documentation including any subsequent contract extensions.
	
		
			  Accumulative contract value ()  Supplier  Description 
			 56,400,000 Booz Allen Hamilton Pensions Transformation Programme Wave 1 and 2 
			 48,631,534 IBM UK Ltd. A central role in strategic planning and business change in the finance and procurement domains including support for the implementation of the finance and procurement elements of the Resource Management system. It also covered changes being made in the areas of Debt Management and the Business Information Centre 
			 26,250,000 Capgemini UK plc Programme Systems DeliveryTransformational design and implementation including managed service provision of interim transformation managers 
			 25,580,918 PA Consulting Services Limited Payment Modernisation Programme 
			 25,000,000 Booz Allen Hamilton Pensions Transformation Programme Design Changes Phase (1) 
			 18,100,000 Booz Allen Hamilton Pensions Transformation Programme Design Changes Phase (2) 
			 9,600,000 Booz Allen Hamilton Pensions Transformation Programme Wave 1 Operational Readiness Review Gate 
			 9,520,000 Capgemini UK plc HR Change ProgrammeDesign and implementation of whole programme including processing, resource management, learning and reward management 
			 7,965,000 Ecotec European Social Fund, support to the EQUAL Programme including management and implementation 
			 6,650,000 Capgemini UK plc Disability Carers Service (DCS) Change ProgrammeDesign and implementation of major programme change

Correspondence

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to improve the Department's performance in replying to hon. Members' correspondence.

James Plaskitt: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) aims to reply to hon. Members' correspondence to Ministers within 20 working days of receipt. We replied to 90 per cent. of these letters within this 20 day target during 2006. A range of pro-active processes have been introduced to support these arrangements and we are continuing to review our systems and handling arrangements to identify areas for further improvements.

David Freud

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much David Freud will be paid for conducting the review of welfare-to-work programmes.

Jim Murphy: David Freud is providing his time on a pro bono basis.

Departmental Buildings

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will ensure that North Star House, London N7, a former job centre, remains in public ownership for community use; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The Department for Work and Pensions does not own North Star House. It was occupied by this Department until December 2004 when we vacated and surrendered it to our estates service provider, Land Securities Trillium. DWP is not involved in any future plans for this building.

Departmental Staff

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many temporary employees were contracted to work for his Department in 2005-06; and what the total cost of such employees was in  (a) 2005-06 and  (b) 1997-98.

Anne McGuire: The average number of temporary employees employed by the Department during 2005-06 was 2,268 full-time equivalents. These staff are mainly administrative grades and are often employed for relatively short periods of time up to a maximum of 39 weeks. The cost of these temporary employees in 2005-06 was 30.96 million.
	The Department for Work and Pensions was established in June 2001 bringing the Department for Social Security and parts of the former Department for Education and Employment, including the Employment Service. Comparable historical information on the cost of temporary employees in 1997-98 is not available.

Disability Living Allowance

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the application for reconsideration and appeal of the claim for disability living allowance submitted by Dawn Phillips of Christchurch on 27 November will be actioned.

Anne McGuire: The administration of disability living allowance is a matter for the chief executive of the Disability and Carers Service, Mr. Terry Moran. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Terry Moran, dated 19 February 2007:
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the application for reconsideration and appeal of the claim for disability living allowance submitted by
	Dawn Phillips of Christchurch on 27th November will be actioned.
	The Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire MP, promised you a substantive reply from the Chief Executive of the Disability and Carers Service.
	As details about individual cases are confidential I have written to you separately about this matter.

Earnings and Income

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the earnings and income ratio between the 95th and 5th percentile points were for  (a) male,  (b) female and  (c) all workers in each of the last 20 years.

Jim Murphy: Specific information regarding individual earnings and income for Great Britain is available in the 'Individual Income 1996-97 to 2004-05' publication.
	Consistent figures for male and female incomes are not available prior to 1996-97.
	The tables for earnings and income from 1996-97 to 2004-05 for males, females and all workers are as follows.
	It should be noted that households stating the lowest incomes to the Family Resources Survey may not actually have the lowest living standards. Comparisons of household income and expenditure suggest that a lot of people who report very low incomes appear to have high spending. The bottom 5 per cent. of the income (or earning) distribution should not, therefore, be interpreted as having the bottom 5 per cent. of living standards.
	
		
			  Table (a1) Male workersearnings Money values of 95th and 5th percentile points, male workers total individual earnings, (2004-05 prices) 
			per week 
			   Ratio 95th to 5th percentile 
			 1996-97 17.3 
			 1997-98 20.5 
			 1998-99 19.4 
			 1999-2000 20.2 
			 2000-01 19.2 
			 2001-02 17.2 
			 2002-03 18.1 
			 2003-04 19.3 
			 2004-05 18.5 
			  Note: Workers are those either full-time or part-time employed or self-employed.  Source: Family Resources SurveyIndividual Incomes 
		
	
	
		
			  Table (a2) Male workersincome Money values of 95th and 5th percentile points, male workers total individual income, (2004-05 prices) 
			per week 
			   Ratio 95th to 5th percentile 
			 1996-97 10.9 
			 1997-98 12.1 
			 1998-99 12.7 
			 1999-2000 11.9 
			 2000-01 11.7 
			 2001-02 12.0 
			 2002-03 11.5 
			 2003-04 12.1 
			 2004-05 12.6 
			  Note: Workers are those either full-time or part-time employed or self-employed. Total income is defined as gross individual income plus tax credits.  Source: Family Resources Survey -Individual Incomes 
		
	
	
		
			  Table (b1) Female workersearnings Money values of 95th and 5th percentile points, female workers total individual earnings, (2004-05 prices) 
			per week 
			   Ratio 95th to 5th percentile 
			 1996-97 32.3 
			 1997-98 48.6 
			 1998-99 35.7 
			 1999-2000 30.1 
			 2000-01 28.4 
			 2001-02 27.9 
			 2002-03 27.4 
			 2003-04 27.3 
			 2004-05 28.9 
			  Note: Workers are those either full-time or part-time employed or self-employed.  Source: Family Resources SurveyIndividual Incomes 
		
	
	
		
			  Table (b2) Female workersincome Money values of 95th and 5th percentile points, female workers total individual income, (2004-05 prices) 
			per week 
			   Ratio 95th to 5th percentile 
			 1996-97 12.6 
			 1997-98 12.3 
			 1998-99 12.5 
			 1999-2000 11.5 
			 2000-01 11.7 
			 2001-02 12.4 
			 2002-03 12.1 
			 2003-04 11.5 
			 2004-05 11.0 
			  Note: Workers are those either full-time or part-time employed or self-employed. Total income is defined as gross individual income plus tax credits.  Source: Family Resources Survey -Individual Incomes 
		
	
	
		
			  Table (c1) All workersearnings Money values of 95th and 5th percentile points, all workers total individual earnings, (2004-05 prices) 
			per week 
			   Ratio 95th to 5th percentile 
			 1996-97 26.7 
			 1997-98 34.9 
			 1998-99 33.4 
			 1999-2000 29.8 
			 2000-01 28.3 
			 2001-02 25.2 
			 2002-03 25.0 
			 2003-04 27.1 
			 2004-05 25.4 
			  Note: Workers are those either full-time or part-time employed or self-employed.  Source: Family Resources Survey -Individual Incomes 
		
	
	
		
			  Table (c2) All workersincome Money values of 95th and 5th percentile points, all workers total individual income, (2004-05 prices) 
			per week 
			   Ratio 95th to 5th percentile 
			 1996-97 13.8 
			 1997-98 14.5 
			 1998-99 14.7 
			 1999-2000 13.6 
			 2000-01 14.0 
			 2001-02 14.0 
			 2002-03 13.6 
			 2003-04 13.3 
			 2004-05 12.8 
			  Note: Workers are those either full-time or part-time employed or self-employed. Total income is defined as gross individual income plus tax credits.  Source: Family Resources Survey -Individual Incomes

European Social Fund

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  whether a shadow funding round will be introduced in order to fill the gap before the implementation of the 2007 to 2013 European Social Fund round; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the gap between the end of the 2000 to 2006 European Social Fund round and implementation of the 2007 to 2013 round; and if he will make a statement.

James Plaskitt: There will not be a shadow funding round because there will not be a gap between the 2000-06 and 2007-13 European Social Fund programmes in England. The 2000-06 programme will fund existing and new activity until mid-2008. Funding in 2007 will be at broadly the same level as previous years. We expect that the first funding round for the 2007-13 programme will be launched in autumn 2007 and that activity will start in early 2008.

Financial Assistance Scheme

David Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what the latest estimate is of the number of people who will have received payments from the Financial Assistance scheme by the end of 2006;
	(2)  what the latest estimate is of the number of people who are eligible for payments from the Financial Assistance Scheme; and how many have received payments from the scheme.

James Purnell: As at 26 January 2007 we have assessed the eligibility of 1,158 people for the Financial Assistance Scheme, of which 871 are being paid and 196 will be paid once they reach age 65. A further 91 will be paid as soon as they have confirmed their personal details.
	Over the lifetime of the scheme we expect around 40,000 people to be eligible for payments from the Financial Assistance Scheme.

Financial Assistance Scheme

David Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what total amount has been paid out by the Financial Assistance Scheme; and what the average payment per beneficiary has been.

James Purnell: The Financial Assistance Scheme has paid a total of 3,125,142 gross (2,424,671 net of income tax) to 896 qualifying members (as of 2 February 2007).
	The average monthly payment, including payments of arrears, is 1,384 gross (1,077 net).
	FAS payments are paid on top of any pension payments made by the qualifying member's scheme to the appropriate proportion of their expected core pension or to 12,000 per year, whichever is the lower figure. The proportion of expected core pension depends on whether the payments are interim ('initial') payments or final ('annual') payments and on the member's proximity to their normal retirement age on 14 May 2004.

Financial Assistance Scheme

David Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of the Operational Review of the Financial Assistance Scheme; and what meetings have taken place between ministers and representatives of the scheme to assess progress.

James Purnell: Good progress has been made towards implementing the recommendations from the Review of the Administration of the Financial Assistance Scheme published in July 2006.
	Pension industry experts from Mercer Human Resource Consulting have been appointed and started to provide technical advice and develop further and more advanced training for staff in the operational unit. Working with Mercers we have revised the processes for gathering member data, they have provided expert analytical input to assist in the interpretation of scheme level data, and designed and delivered a training course for approximately 20 FAS staff to improve knowledge and understanding of the winding up process and promote a greater understanding of pensions language and terminology.
	Furthermore, the key issues affecting a transfer of the operational unit to the Pension Service have been identified and work is on-going to agree an implementation plan.
	Ministers regularly meet officials to discuss progress on all aspects of the Financial Assistance Scheme.

Gap Year Students

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether gap year students are included in the calculation for those not in employment, education or training.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 2 February 2007
	Gap year students are included in both the official Department for Education and Skills estimates and the Labour Force Survey figures, provided that they are resident in the country and not in employment, or some other form of training.

Housing Benefit

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many households were subject to non-dependent deductions from housing benefit in each London borough in the last year for which figures are available; and in what percentage of these households there were also dependent children;
	(2)  what the average deduction made was per household from which a non-dependent deduction was applied to their housing benefit entitlement in  (a) London and  (b) each London borough.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available in the format requested. Non-dependent deduction information is not available below regional level. The most recent available information about non-dependent deductions is for May 2003.
	As at May 2003 there were 28,000 housing benefit recipients in London subject to non-dependent deductions. Of these, 9,000 had dependent children; this equates to 32 per cent. The average non-dependent deduction in London was 26.17.
	 Notes:
	1. Caseloads are rounded to the nearest thousand, percentages to one decimal place and average weekly amount to the nearest penny.
	2. Housing benefit figures exclude any extended-payment cases.
	3. The data refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple.
	 Source:
	Housing Benefit and council Tax Benefit Management Information System, annual 1 per cent. sample, taken in May 2003.

Incapacity Benefit

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people claimed incapacity benefit in  (a) Jarrow constituency,  (b) South Tyneside,  (c) the North East and  (d) the UK in each year since 1997.

Anne McGuire: The available information is in the following table.
	
		
			  Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance claimants in the Jarrow parliamentary constituency, South Tyneside metropolitan borough council, Government Office for the North East Region and Great Britain; at May each year, 1997-2006 
			   Jarrow  South Tyneside  North East  Great Britain 
			 1997 5,700 11,900 197,800 2,837,900 
			 1998 5,700 11,700 188,600 2,784,500 
			 1999 5,700 11,300 186,000 2,744,300 
			 2000 5,950 11,480 184,060 2,728,090 
			 2001 6,040 11,630 188,560 2,795,340 
			 2002 6,030 11,700 188,780 2,807,620 
			 2003 5,940 11,470 187,800 2,815,660 
			 2004 5,780 11,170 184,020 2,814,710 
			 2005 5,520 10,700 178,290 2,783,720 
			 2006 5,340 10,390 170,970 2,730,000 
			  Notes: 1. Figures for the years 1997 to 1999 have been produced using 5 per cent. data and have been rated up in accordance with the Great Britain WPLS 100 per cent. IB/SDA totals. 2. Uprated figures are rounded to the nearest 100, 100 per cent. figures to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to rounding. 3. 'Claimant' figures include all incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance and incapacity benefit credits-only cases.  Source: DWP Information Directorate, 5 per cent. Samples from 1997 to 1999 and Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100 per cent. data thereafter.

Incapacity Benefit

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Yeovil on 29 January 2007,  Official Report, column 90-92W, on benefit claimants, what the reasons were for the decline in expenditure on incapacity benefit since 2001-02.

Anne McGuire: holding answer 6 February 2007
	The key reason for the decline in expenditure on incapacity benefit over the period specified is the continued reduction, since April 1995, in the number of claimants who receive protected and higher amounts of invalidity benefit; invalidity benefit was the predecessor to incapacity benefit. This is an ongoing and gradual process, occurring as people have flowed off the benefit over time.
	In 1995-96, 85 per cent. of expenditure on incapacity benefits was on the protected ex-invalidity benefit. This proportion had fallen to around 50 per cent. in 2001-02 and was around a third in 2005-06.
	In 1995-96, over 80 per cent. of incapacity benefit recipients received invalidity benefit payment. By 2001-02, this proportion had halved, and by 2005-06 the figure was 28 per cent.

Income-related Benefit

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what percentage of children lived in workless households in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in  (a) 1997 and  (b) 2006; and what percentage of children lived in workless households with (i) a lone parent, (ii) at least one parent claiming incapacity benefit and (iii) at least one parent claiming an income-related social security benefit in that period.

Jim Murphy: The available information is in the table.
	To measure progress relating to children in workless households (CIWH), the Department uses the Household Labour Force Survey. However it is not possible to disaggregate this data below Government office region.
	The information in the table uses administrative data to provide the number and proportions of children dependent on workless benefits in Newcastle-upon-Tyne local authority. Data is not held for 1997 so 2004 has been added for comparison.
	The official definition of a CIWH is a child aged under 16 in a working age household where no adult works. The administrative data is an inexact proxy for this as it charts all children under 16 in a working age household who have at least one parent claiming workless benefits.
	The administrative data fails to incorporate in its definition workless adults who do not claim benefits. It also differs from the standard CIWH definition in that it includes children in households with both working and non-working adults, as opposed to a household with no working adults.
	The information on those claiming an income-related social security benefit is not available.
	
		
			  Children aged 0 to 15 dependent on workless benefits (income support, jobseeker's allowance, pension credit, incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance) in Newcastle-upon-Tyne local authority 
			   2004  2006 
			   Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage 
			 Total (claiming at least one workless benefit) 15,405 33 13,670 30 
			 With lone parent on workless benefits 11,765 25 10,470 23 
			 With at least one parent on incapacity benefit 4,240 9 3,585 8 
			  Notes: 1. All figures supplied have been rounded to protect the confidentiality of claimants. 2. All data represent a snapshot in time of claimants on the computer system, and will therefore exclude a very small number of cases that are held clerically. 3. Data represents children dependent on a parent or guardian claiming one or more of the following benefits: incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, jobseeker's allowance, income support or pension credit. 4. Due to the introduction of child tax credits in April 2003, information on child dependents are not reliably completed on the benefit computer system. Therefore children have been merged onto IS/JSA/IB/SDA/PC claims from child benefit with permission of HMRC. 5. The total numbers of children on child benefit has been used as the denominator for the percentages given.  Source : DWP Information Directorate

Industrial Diseases Disablement Benefit

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will assess the merits of including laryngeal dystonia in the list of conditions qualifying for industrial injuries disablement benefit.

Jim Murphy: The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (MAC) is the scientific body with the statutory role of advising the Secretary of State on the list of prescribed diseases under the Industrial Injures Disablement Benefit scheme.
	Last year, the council conducted a review of the scientific evidence in relation to the whole subject of occupational voice loss, which includes conditions such as laryngeal dystonia, and found it was not possible to identify any condition specifically associated with an occupational group or groups that met the statutory terms of prescription.

Information Technology

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish his Department's strategy for information technology to 2015.

James Purnell: The Department's strategy for information technology to 2015 will be published in the summer.

IT Projects

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what percentage of information technology projects undertaken by or for his Department since 2001 have been delivered  (a) over budget,  (b) after their original deadline,  (c) on budget,  (d) under budget,  (e) on their original deadline and  (f) ahead of their original deadline.

James Purnell: The Department for Work and Pensions undertakes a large number of projects which deliver business change and policy initiatives. IT changes are an enabling component of many projects. The number of projects in train at any one time will vary and the duration of the project lifecycle is often more than one calendar year.
	The following table includes only those projects where the IT element is such that non-delivery of the IT would significantly damage the projects ability to deliver its intended results. It provides information of the number and percentage of IT projects under each heading. Additionally the records for one project that has been completed since 2001 have been archived and to obtain this information for this project would be of disproportionate cost.
	
		
			   Number  Percentage 
			  (a) Over budget 1 2.2 
			  (b) After their original deadline 19 42.2 
			  (c) On budget 33 73.3 
			  (d) Under budget 11 24.4 
			  (e) On their original deadline 24 53.3 
			  (f) Ahead of their original deadline 2 4.4

Job Losses and Support

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will answer question 102665, on job losses and support, tabled by the hon. Member for Eddisbury on 20 November 2006.

Jim Murphy: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 17 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1174W.

Jobseeker Direct

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many enquiries Jobseeker Direct received from people interested in short-term festive season work in the period 1 October to 31 December in each year since 1998;
	(2)  how many enquiries Jobseeker Direct received from people interested in short-term festive season work in  (a) October,  (b) November and  (c) December 2006.

James Plaskitt: The information requested is not available.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people without accommodation had their  (a) income support and  (b) contribution-based jobseeker's allowance stopped in each of the last five years.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available.

Jobseeker's Allowance

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the total percentage of people of working age on jobseeker's allowance and incapacity-related benefits in each year since 1990-91 for the local authority wards in Great Britain with the  (a) 100 highest and  (b) 100 lowest rates of unemployment in 2006-07; and if he will make a statement.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available.

LinkAge Plus

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the eight LinkAge Plus pilots launched in August 2006; and whether he plans to roll out the scheme further.

James Purnell: Full assessment of the LinkAge Plus pilots will not be available until the evaluation has been undertaken. The evaluation process is being coordinated by Warwick Business School and the programme evaluation steering group. When the pilots and their local evaluations are complete Warwick Business School will ensure that key lessons from LinkAge Plus are disseminated. The first interim findings are due in August 2007.
	We are already ensuring that good practice is spread as quickly as possible. Findings reported by the pilots are being made widely available, and are shared with other parts of the country that are keen to adopt similar approaches.

Median Income

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the median income was in each region in the UK in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what estimatehe has made of the number of children who lived in households with income of less than 60 per cent. of the regional median, in each region, during that period.

Jim Murphy: Between 1998-99 and 2004-05 (the latest data available) the number of children in relative low income households fell by 700,000 both before and after housing costs. As a result of our reforms to the personal tax and benefit system and the national minimum wage, by April 2007, in real terms, families with children will be, on average, 1,550 a year better off, while those in the poorest fifth of the population will be on average, 3,450 a year better off.
	Specific information regarding low income for Great Britain is available in 'Households Below Average Income 1994-95 to 2004-05'.
	The available information requested can be found in the following tables.
	
		
			  Table (A1) Median income in each region in the UK for the years 2002-03 to 2004-05 
			   per week equivalised 
			   Before housing costs  After housing costs 
			 North East 307 274 
			 North West 325 287 
			 Yorks and Humberside 321 282 
			 East Midlands 330 293 
			 West Midlands 326 286 
			 Eastern 371 321 
			 London 387 314 
			 South East 400 341 
			 South West 345 301 
			 Wales 312 278 
			 Scotland 342 304 
			 Great Britain (2004-05) 349 304 
			  Notes: 1. Figures for the regions and countries are presented using a three-year moving average, as single-year estimates do not provide a robust guide to year-on-year changes. Hence, figures are not consistent with any previously published single-year estimates and there may be differences in changes overtime. In circumstances such as a change in trend, moving averages will show less variation than single-year estimates. 2. Figures in 2004-05 prices.  Source: Family Resources Survey 
		
	
	
		
			  Table (A2) Number of children below 60 per cent. of each regional median income in the UK for the years 2002-03 to 2004-05 
			  Number (Million) 
			   Before housing costs  After housing costs 
			 North-east 0.10 0.15 
			 North-west 0.27 0.39 
			 Yorks and Humberside 0.20 0.28 
			 East midlands 0.17 0.22 
			 West midlands 0.24 0.32 
			 Eastern 0.22 0.30 
			 London 0.52 0.65 
			 South-east 0.35 0.47 
			 South-west 0.17 0.26 
			 Wales 0.10 0.15 
			 Scotland 0.21 0.26 
			  Note: Figures for the regions and countries are presented using a three-year moving average, as single-year estimates do not provide a robust guide to year-on-year changes. Hence, figures are not consistent with any previously published single-year estimates and there may be differences in changes over time. In circumstances such as a change in trend, moving averages will show less variation than single-year estimates.  Source: Family Resources Survey

National Insurance Numbers

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many  (a) EU and  (b) non-EU immigrants were claiming benefits within six months of being allocated a national insurance number in each reporting period since 1995.

James Plaskitt: Information is not available prior to 2002-03. The most recent available information is in the table.
	On 5 June 2006, we announced changes that took place from July 2006 and which introduced a 'right to work' condition before a NINO can be allocated to employment-related applicants.
	
		
			  Year of registration  All  No benefit recorded  DLA  IB  IS  JSA 
			  All nationalities   
			 2002-03 349,240 305,330 480 3,410 7,260 32,770 
			 2003-04 370,750 334,490 470 3,250 7,100 25,440 
			 2004-05 439,730 415,040 360 2,680 4,470 17,180 
			 2005-06 662,390 640,140 290 2,070 2,780 17,100 
			
			  EU   
			 2002-03 92,720 84,160 80 580 1,310 6,600 
			 2003-04 105,240 95,370 100 640 1,500 7,630 
			 2004-05 192,350 183,030 120 810 1,040 7,350 
			 2005-06 368,650 358,940 120 750 530 8,300 
			
			  Non-EU   
			 2002-03 256,520 221,170 400 2,830 5,950 26,170 
			 2003-04 265,510 239,120 370 2,610 5,600 17,820 
			 2004-05 247,380 232,010 240 1,870 3,430 9,830 
			 2005-06 293,740 281,200 180 1,310 2,250 8,800 
			  Notes: 1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to rounding. 2. Benefits are shown as being in payment if the NINO holder claims the benefit within six months of NINO registration.  Source: 100 per cent. sample at 17 June 2006 from the National Insurance Recording System (NIRS).

New Deal

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what feedback is collected from participants in new deal training programmes.

Jim Murphy: As part of the ongoing evaluation of the new deals, participants are asked for their views on all aspects of the programme including their satisfaction with, and experiences of, the training elements of the programme. We also listen to all customer feedback on a continual basis to help improve the service provided to new deal participants.

New Deal

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of  (a) women and  (b) men leaving (i) the New Deal for Young People and (ii) the New Deal 25 Plus (A) found a sustained job and (B) moved onto jobseeker's allowance in each year for which figures are available.

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of  (a) women and  (b) men leaving (i) the New Deal for Young People and (ii) the New Deal 25 Plus (A) found a sustained job and (B) moved onto jobseeker's allowance in each year for which figures are available.

Jim Murphy: The information is in the following tables.
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   New deal for young people leavers to: 
			   Sustained employment  Jobseeker's allowance 
			   Male  Female  Male  Female 
			 1998 53 46 4 4 
			 1999 46 42 14 10 
			 2000 44 41 15 11 
			 2001 42 40 13 10 
			 2002 41 38 13 10 
			 2003 41 38 13 10 
			 2004 39 37 13 11 
			 2005 35 34 17 13 
		
	
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   New deal 25-plus leavers to: 
			   Sustained employment  Jobseeker's allowance 
			   Male  Female  Male  Female 
			 2001 32 30 15 16 
			 2002 28 26 29 28 
			 2003 27 25 31 29 
			 2004 31 29 28 26 
			 2005 28 27 32 29 
			  Notes: 1. Years are calendar years. 2. Latest complete year information is to December 2005. 3. A person is defined as leaving new deal for young people and new deal 25-plus to sustained employment if they do not return to claim jobseeker's allowance within 13 weeks. 4. Information for leavers from new deal 25-plus is only available for April 2001 onwards.  Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Information Directorate.

Nightclubs: Noise

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if his Department will carry out an assessment of the damage caused to people's hearing by dangerous high levels of noise in nightclubs.

Anne McGuire: The Department has no plans to do so as the duty to assess the risks of hearing damage from loud noise lies with individual employers, who have a specific duty to do so for workers under the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 as well as a duty of care to members of the public under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
	However, the Health and Safety Executive published a review of the literature in 2002 to establish what was known about noise levels and noise exposure to workers in pubs and clubs. This was taken into account at European level during negotiation of the physical agents (noise) directive and in the 2005 report Noise in figures by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.
	New regulations, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, will come into force for the music and entertainment sectors on 6 April 2008 and industry representatives are working with HSE to develop practical guidelines on the control of noise in these sectors, including nightclubs.

Parents: Social Security Benefits

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost was of payments to  (a) single parents receiving benefits and  (b) single parents in work in each year since 1997; and on what basis the figures are calculated.

James Plaskitt: The available information is in the tables. Any further breakdown of DWP expenditure for those single parents in work could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	In 1999, working families' tax credits replaced family credit. Information about tax credits is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
	
		
			  Benefit expenditure on single parents in Great Britain, cash terms 
			   million 
			  Outturn  Income support  Widowed parent's allowancebasic  Widowed parent's allowanceadditional pension  Housing benefit  Council tax benefit  Family credit 
			 1997-98 4,106 149 60 2,614 424 1,104 
			 1998-99 3,941 147 61 2,654 442 1,220 
			 1999-2000 3,963 151 65 2,731 458 971 
			 2000-01 4,334 149 69 2,648 450 0 
			 2001-02 4,520 175 77 2,679 450 0 
			 2002-03 4,626 182 79 2,863 461 0 
			 2003-04 4,854 189 76 2,963 531 0 
			 2004-05 4,452 193 70 3,215 568 0 
			 2005-06 3,776 203 66 3,454 608 0 
		
	
	
		
			  Benefit expenditure on single parents in Great Britain; real terms( ) (2006-07 prices) 
			   million 
			  Outturn  Income support  Widowed parent's allowancebasic  Widowed parent's allowanceadditional pension  Housing benefit  Council tax benefit  Family credit 
			 1997-98 5,089 185 74 3,240 525 1,369 
			 1998-99 4,764 177 74 3,208 535 1,475 
			 1999-2000 4,695 179 77 3,236 543 1,150 
			 2000-01 5,064 175 81 3,094 525 0 
			 2001-02 5,159 200 88 3,058 514 0 
			 2002-03 5,122 201 87 3,170 510 0 
			 2003-04 5,219 203 81 3,185 570 0 
			 2004-05 4,658 202 74 3,364 595 0 
			 2005-06 3,877 208 67 3,547 624 0 
			  Notes:  1. All figures have been rounded to the nearest million.  2. All figures are consistent with the 2006 pre-budget report.  3. Expenditure figures exclude single parents who are primarily claiming for another reason, for example who are sick or disabled.  4. Widowed parent's allowance replaced widowed mother's allowance from April 2001. For ease of reference, both are included in the relevant column.  5. Figures do not include child benefit paid to single parents, as the data do not distinguish between parents who are single or part of a couple, unless they also received the lone parent addition, which was not received by all single parents.  6. Benefits with small amounts of expenditure are not included.  7. From the early 1990s, family credit was paid to qualifying families who worked full time, that is at least 16 hours each week.  8. Family credit was replaced by working families' tax credit in October 1999.   Source:  Figures are based on DWP accounting data combined with statistical data to identify the proportion of expenditure paid to single parents.

Pension Credit: Scotland

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the take up of pension credit in Scotland.

James Purnell: Estimates of eligibility, and therefore of take-up, are not available below the level of Great Britain, and it is not therefore possible to say what the take-up of Pension Credit in Scotland is.
	The latest estimates of the number of pensioners in Great Britain entitled to pension credit were published in 'Pension Credit Estimates of Take-Up in 2004-05'. A copy of the report is available in the Library.
	Pension credit has been highly successful in reducing pensioner poverty and now, for the first time in a period of sustained economic growth, pensioners are less likely to be in poverty than the population as a whole. Since the introduction of pension credit, the number of pensioners in relative poverty has fallen by half a million.
	We continue to make every effort to ensure that pension credit goes to those who are entitled to it. The latest estimates showed that 2.7 million households were receiving pension credit, and this includes 283,480 households in Scotland.
	 Notes:
	1. The figure provided is an early estimate. The preferred data source for figures supplied by DWP is the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS). However, the figure provided is the latest available figure which is taken from the GMS scan at 1 September 2006. These are adjusted using the historical relationship between WPLS and GMS data to give an estimate of the final WPLS figure.
	2. Caseloads are rounded to the nearest 10.
	3. Household recipients are those people who claim pension credit either for themselves only or on behalf of a household.
	 Source:
	DWP 100 per cent. data from the Generalised Matching Service (GMS) pension credit scan taken as at 1 September 2006.

Pension Financial Assistance Scheme

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many  (a) members,  (b) pensioner members and  (c) non-pensioner members there are in schemes approved for the Financial Assistance Scheme.

James Purnell: We are not able to collect definitive data on total scheme membership until schemes submit data on individual members on completion of wind-up. However, schemes are asked to provide an indication of the number of scheme members as part of the qualification process. This information, which is unverified and has not been provided by all schemes, suggests that there might be at least 106,000 non-pensioner members in schemes that have qualified to the end of December 2006. This would appear to be in line with our assumption that once all schemes have qualified there will be around 120,000 non pensioners in total who have suffered losses.
	For pensioners, the same data suggests that there are 46,000 in schemes that have qualified to the end of December 2006. Of these, we estimate that only around 5,000 might have suffered losses because they are higher up the priority order and their pensions are more highly protected than non-pensioner members.
	This information would therefore appear to be in line with our assumption that in total around 125,000 pensioner and non-pensioner members have suffered losses.

Pensioners: Property

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate his Department has made of  (a) the proportion of pensioners who will own their own homes in (i) 10, (ii) 20, (iii) 30, (iv) 40 and (v) 50 years' time and  (b) the number of pensioners who will not own their own home in retirement in each year.

Yvette Cooper: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department does not have projections of the proportion of pensioners who will own their own homes in the future. It is possible to present historic figures only for the proportion of pensioner households who owned their own homes.
	The figures in the table tabulate housing tenure for households with a head of household who is a pensioner for the years 1995-96 to 2005-06 as reported through the Survey of English Housing:
	
		
			  Pensioner households in England by tenure, 1995-96 to 2005-06 
			   Housing tenure (number)  
			   Owner-occupiers  Social renters  Private renters  Total  Owner-occupier pensioner households (percentage) 
			 1995-96 3,437 1,747 326 5,511 62 
			 1996-97 3,514 1,685 310 5,509 64 
			 1997-98 3,598 1,630 294 5,522 65 
			 1998-99 3,594 1,595 303 5,492 65 
			 1999-2000 3,673 1,527 284 5,485 67 
			 2000-01 3,645 1,541 255 5,442 67 
			 2001-02 3,831 1,450 238 5,520 69 
			 2002-03 3,811 1,501 264 5,577 68 
			 2003-04 3,943 1,423 261 5,626 70 
			 2004-05 4,008 1,353 264 5,625 71 
			 2005-06 4,113 1,349 248 5,710 72 
			  Note:  Pensioner households in this context are defined as those households where the head of household (1995-06 to 2000-01) or the household reference person (2001-02 to 2005-06) were male aged 65+ or female aged 60+).   Source:  Survey of English Housing.

Pensions

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for work and Pensions, if he will estimate the total annual cost of uprating  (a) the basic state pensions and  (b) other benefits of those UK pensioners residing in countries where their benefits are not uprated.

James Purnell: pursuant to the reply, 14 December 2006, Official Report, c. 1341W
	The estimated annual cost of uprating the state pension for recipients living in frozen rate counties is approximately 420 million of which around 400 million represent the cost of uprating the basic state pension. Generally only the state pension is payable abroad without qualifying conditions.
	 Note:
	Costs have been calculated using March 2006 retirement pension administrative data.

Pensions

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the additional cost to his Department has been to date of compensating personnel for changes in taxation rates in relation to pensions in 1997-98.

James Purnell: None.

Pensions

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will revise figure 8 from the Pensions White Paper, Security in Retirement: Towards a New Pension System, in which the median earner chooses to defer his state pension until the age of 61 years, if current policies are continued.

James Purnell: The information requested is not available. Figure 8 from Security in Retirement: Towards a New Pension System shows state pension outcomes for a median earner in 2050 and 2053 with and without reform. Under the current system, individuals in 2050 would be able to choose to defer their state pension at 65, the earliest age from which they can do so.

Pensions

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many existing private pension scheme members he estimates have total contributions (employer and employee gross) of less than  (a) 5,000 per annum,  (b) 6,000 per annum,  (c) 7,500 per annum and  (d) 10,000 per annum.

James Purnell: In the White Paper 'Personal accounts: a new way to save', the Government proposed an annual limit of 5,000 on contributions into personal accounts. My Department is currently consulting on whether this limit strikes the right balance between focussing personal accounts on the target market, and allowing sufficient flexibility for those personal accounts savers who wish to make additional contributions to meet their retirement aims.
	Figures showing the number of employees who are pension scheme members and have total pension contributions (employer and employee) in the requested bands are presented in the following table.
	
		
			  Total Annual Pension Contribution (employer and employee)  Number of employees (million) 
			 Less than 5,000 8.1 
			 5,000 to 5,999 1.0 
			 6,000 to 7,499 1.1 
			 7,500 to 9,999 0.7 
			  Notes: 1. All figures are estimates and are taken from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Office for National Statistics). 2005 is the latest year for which the data are available. The coverage of the survey is Great Britain. 2. The figures include employees aged 16 to State Pension age. 3. The figures cover all pension schemes including occupational pension schemes (defined benefit schemes and defined contribution schemes), Group Personal Pension schemes, Stakeholder pension schemes and those where the pension category was unknown.  Source: Office for National Statistics, Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, 2005

Pensions

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how the state pension age addition is calculated; and what plans his Department has to increase its current value.

James Purnell: The age addition is a fixed amount of 25 pence per week payable to pensioners over the age of 80 with contributory and non-contributory state pension. It has not been increased since its introduction and we have no plans to do so.
	However since 1997, we have introduced a whole range of measures which have targeted significant extra help on older pensioners. These includes: winter fuel payment of 300 to people aged 80 and over; free TV licences; age related personal income tax allowance for the over 75s; and pension credit is of particular benefit to this age-group. Over a third of those entitled to pension credit are over the age of 80.

Personal Accounts

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total projected  (a) set-up and  (b) annual administrative costs are of the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority and the Personal Accounts Board as set out in the White Paper Personal Accounts: a new way to save.

James Purnell: The estimated cost of the delivery authority in its initial advisory stage is set out in the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) for the first Pensions Bill.
	The planned second Bill will introduce the detail of personal accounts, and provide for both the delivery authority's executive role and for the personal accounts board. Policy is still being developed and the role of these bodies articulated. The RIA which will accompany the planned second Bill will outline the funding requirement for both the executive delivery authority and the personal accounts board.

Personal Accounts

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how the conclusion that there will be less than 10 per cent. of pensioner households in 2050 who may not see any benefit from savings set out page 34 of the White Paper Personal Accounts: a new way to save was reached.

James Purnell: This is based on projections using the Department's Pensim2 dynamic microsimulation model. It represents an estimate, after taking account of the proposed reforms to state pension provision, of the proportion of pensioner households in 2050 who might face an initial 100 per cent. reduction in pension credit entitlement in respect of an increase in private pension income. Of these, around three-quarters will be in receipt of premia taking them above the standard guarantee level for example because they are severely disabled or are carers.
	In practice, very few pensioners who face a 100 per cent. withdrawal rate at some point will do so over the whole of their retirement; by 2050 just 2 per cent. pensioners will receive the guarantee credit only when they first reach state pension age. Even then, we would expect many to be able to reduce the interaction between additional private saving and benefit entitlement by taking some or all of their private pension income as a lump sum. 'Less than 10 per cent. of pensioner households' can therefore be considered a cautious estimate.

Personal Accounts Delivery Authority

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether staff of the new Personal Accounts Delivery Authority will be eligible to join the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme; and if he will make a statement.

James Purnell: The Pensions Bill that is currently before the House proposes to establish the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority. We have made no provision for its staff to join the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme. The delivery authority will not be a Crown entity and as such employees will not be entitled to Principle Civil Service Pension Scheme pensions.

Personal Capability Assessment

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  when the dummy runs of the revised personal capability assessment are to be conducted; and when the results will be published;
	(2)  when the second round of testing of the revised personal capability assessment is planned to begin; and when he expects to publish the results.

Jim Murphy: We carried out an initial, limited evaluation of the revised PCA descriptors and scores in October 2006 to test the hypothesis that the revised descriptors would accurately identify limited capability for work; and to enable us to begin drafting regulations. We plan to publish the report of this interim evaluation in February 2007.
	The second round of testing of the revised personal capability assessment is scheduled to begin in March 2007 and is expected to take two to three months to complete. We will be publishing a report following the evaluation of the results.

Polygamous Marriages

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much was paid in income-related benefits in respect of dependent spouses and children to claimants in polygamous marriages in each year since 1997-98; and if he will make a statement.

James Plaskitt: The information is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Public Sector Pensions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions why the cash equivalent transfer value of the public sector pension of the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus increased between 2004-05 and 2005-06; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The following table sets out the Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) of the public sector pension of the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus for 2004-05 and 2005-06.
	
		
			   000 
			 CETV 2004-05 612 
			 CETV 2005-06 1,027 
			 Real Increase in CETV 415 
		
	
	The CETV of pension schemes is linked to the value of the pension pot accumulated during the individual's membership of the scheme. In May 2005 the postholder for the role of chief executive of Jobcentre Plus changed, and the successful candidate was promoted from within the civil service, following an external competition.
	The length of service of the new postholder, and the increase in their salary on promotion, has led to the increase in the CETV when compared to the CETV for the previous chief executive in 2004-05.

Public Sector Pensions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what the cash equivalent transfer value is of the public sector pensions of the 10 highest paid staff within his Department; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the cash equivalent transfer value is of the public sector pensions of the 10 highest paid members of staff in his Department and its executive agencies; and if he will make a statement.

James Purnell: The cash equivalent transfer values of the pensions of DWP's and its Executive Agencies' 10 highest paid members of staff are published in the Annual Report and Resource Accounts.

Retirement Age

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the answer from the Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office to the hon. Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Marsden) of 4 December 2006,  Official Report, columns 189-90W, on the retirement age, what his Department's policy is for the setting of retirement ages for staff below the senior civil service under the Civil Service (Management Functions) Act 1992.

James Purnell: The Department for Work and Pension has abolished its mandatory retirement age for all staff below senior civil service grades from 1 October 2006. The Department will assume staff wish to continue to work unless they tell us otherwise.

Sellafield: Accidents

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the Health and Safety Executive expects to publish a report on its investigation into the leak at THORP facility at the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant.

Anne McGuire: The Health and Safety Executive expects to publish the report on to the HSE website during the week commencing 19 February 2007.

Social Security Benefits: North East Region

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in  (a) Gateshead, East and Washington, West,  (b) Tyne and Wear and  (c) the North East Region have been receiving (i) incapacity benefit and (ii) jobseeker's allowance for (A) under six months, (B) six months to one year, (C) one to two years and (D) over two years.

James Plaskitt: The available information is in the following tables.
	
		
			  Jobseeker's allowance claimants in Gateshead, East and Washington, West parliamentary constituency, Tyne and Wear and Government office for the north-east region as at May 2006 
			   Up to 6 months  6 months to 1 year  1 to 2 years  2 years and over 
			 Gateshead, East and Washington, West 975 200 105 20 
			 Tyne and Wear 15,650 4,365 2,590 815 
			 North East GOR 33,245 9,845 5,570 1,945 
			  Notes: 1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest five. 2. Tyne and Wear comprises the local authority areas of Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Sunderland.  Source: 100 per cent. count of claimants of unemployment-related benefits, Jobcentre Plus Computer Systems (computer held cases only). 
		
	
	
		
			  Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance claimants in Gateshead, East and Washington, West parliamentary constituency, Tyne and Wear and Government office for the north-east region as at May 2006 
			   Up to 6 months  6 months to 1 year  1 to 2 years  2 years and over 
			 Gateshead, East and Washington, West 460 300 440 4,410 
			 Tyne and Wear 6,310 3,870 6,000 57,780 
			 North East GOR 13,630 8,600 13,660 135,080 
			  Notes: 1. Figures are shown rounded to the 10. Totals may not sum due to rounding. 2. 'Claimant' figures include all incapacity benefit (IB), severe disablement allowance and IB credits-only cases. 3. Tyne and Wear comprises the local authority areas of Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Sunderland.  Source: DWP Information Directorate, Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100 per cent. data.

State Retirement Pensions

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 31 January 2007,  Official Report, column 401W, on the state retirement pension, how many state retirement pension applications were waiting to be processed on 31 December for each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

James Purnell: The information is as follows:
	
		
			  State pension applications registered on the system waiting to be processed 
			  Statistical period  Number 
			 At the end of December 2005 52,603 
			 At the end of December 2006 54,099 
		
	
	Prior to 2005 the data are not robust enough to provide an accurate figure.

Welfare to Work

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how much has been budgeted for the review of welfare-to-work programmes being conducted by David Freud; when the review is expected to report back; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  which  (a) organisations and  (b) individuals David Freud (i) has consulted and (ii) intends to consult in his review of welfare-to-work programmes;
	(3)  whether there will be an open consultation as part of the review of welfare-to-work programmes being conducted by David Freud; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: We have asked David Freud to conduct a review of welfare-to-work policy. We expect him to provide us with his conclusions within the next couple of months. There has been no specific budget set aside for this review, beyond the salary costs of the small team in the Department that is supporting his work. David Freud has been speaking to a number of organisations as part of his research for the review, and is also participating in a number of seminars organised by the Department. We would expect the list of organisations to be made public once the review has concluded.
	David Freud's work forms part of a wider policy review process announced by the Prime Minister in autumn 2006. There will be no formal consultation at this stage as this is an independent review. Should we decide to move towards the implementation of any of his proposals, there would be a consultation in the normal way.

Winter Fuel Payments: North East Region

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in  (a) Gateshead East and Washington West and  (b) Tyne and Wear have received winter fuel payments since 2005.

James Purnell: In the winter of 2005-06, 16,000 people in Gateshead East and Washington West constituency and 211,400 people in Tyne and Wear metropolitan county received a winter fuel payment. We expect the numbers to be similar for this winter.
	 Notes:
	1. Figures rounded to the nearest 10.
	2. Local authorities and parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant ONS postcode directory.
	 Source:
	Information Directorate 100 per cent. sample.

Workless Households

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made towards the Government's targets for reducing  (a) the number and  (b) the proportion of children in workless households.

Jim Murphy: The Spending Review 2004 Public Service Agreement (PSA) Target 1b is to reduce the proportion of children living in workless households in Great Britain by 5 per cent. between the second quarter (Q2) of 2005 and Q2 2008. This is measured using the Household Labour Force Survey.
	In 1997 the proportion of children who were living in a workless household was 18.7 per cent. The latest data for Q2 2006 shows that the proportion of children in workless households was 15.6 per cent.
	To date the number of children in workless households (CIWHs) has fallen by 443,000 since Q2 1997. Meeting the SR04 target will require a further reduction in the proportion of CIWH to 14.9 per cent. by Q2 2008.
	The target is measured using the Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) definition of employment. Importantly there has been a move away from using the seasonal quarter HLFS over to using the new calendar quarter HLFS. This has resulted in a small change to our headline numbers previously published and our progress on the number of CIWH is assessed using Q2 figures rather than the old spring quarters from the HLFS.
	 Notes
	1. To be consistent with all other publications we are now using calendar quarters data from the LFS and are moving away from seasonal quarters.
	2. All HLFS figures are from the HLFS Q2 dataset.

Workless Households

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what percentage of children lived in workless households in Lancashire in  (a) 1997 and  (b) 2006; and what percentage of children lived in workless households with (i) a lone parent, (ii) at least one parent claiming incapacity benefit and (iii) at least one parent claiming an income-related social security benefit in that period.

Jim Murphy: The available information is in the table.
	To measure progress relating to children in workless households (CIWH), the Department uses the Household Labour Force Survey. However it is not possible to disaggregate this data below Government Office Region.
	The information in the following table uses administrative data to provide the number and proportions of children dependent on workless benefits in Lancashire local authority. Data is not held for 1997 so 2004 has been added for comparison.
	The official definition of a CIWH is a child aged under 16 in a working age household where no adult works. The administrative data is an inexact proxy for this as it charts all children under 16 in a working age household who have at least one parent claiming workless benefits.
	The administrative data fails to incorporate in its definition workless adults who do not claim benefits. It also differs from the standard CIWH definition in that it includes children in households with both working and non-working adults, as opposed to a household with no working adults.
	The information on those claiming an income-related social security benefit is not available.
	
		
			  Children aged 0-15 dependent on workless benefits (income support, jobseeker's allowance, pension credit, incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance) in Lancashire local authority. 
			2004  2006 
			 Total (claiming at least one workless benefit) Number 43,235 38,915 
			  Percent 19.4 17.7 
			 With lone parent on workless benefits Number 32,360 29,395 
			  Percent 14.5 13.4 
			 With at least one parent on incapacity benefit Number 13,975 12,895 
			  Percent 6.3 5.9 
			  Notes: 1. All figures supplied have been rounded to protect the confidentiality of claimants. 2. All data represent a snapshot in time of claimants on the computer system, and will therefore exclude a very small number of cases that are held clerically. 3. Data represents children dependent on a parent or guardian claiming one or more of the following benefits: Incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, jobseeker's allowance, income support or pension credit. 4. Due to the introduction of child tax credits in April 2003, information on child dependents are not reliably completed on the benefit computer system. Therefore children have been merged onto IS/JSA/IB/SDA/PC claims from child Benefit with permission of HMRC. 5. The total numbers of children on child benefit has been used as the denominator for the percentages given.  Source:  DWP Information Directorate

Workplace Accidents

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many deaths there were from accidents in the workplace in each of the last five years.

Anne McGuire: The figures requested are set out as follows.
	
		
			  Fatal injuries to workers and members of the public 2001-02 to 2005-06( 1)  as reported to all enforcing authorities 
			   Workers  Members of the public 
			 2001-02 251 393 
			 2002-03 227 396 
			 2003-04 236 374 
			 2004-05 223 370 
			 2005-06(1) 212 384 
			 (1)Provisional. 
		
	
	There has been a general downward trend in the rate of UK work-related fatal injuries over the last five years, with 2005-06 showing the lowest rate per 100,000 of workers on record. Last year also recorded the lowest number of fatally injured workers on record. The rise in 2003-04was almost entirely due to the tragic Morecambe Bay incident in which 21 cockle pickers drowned.
	There has been a significant improvement in the number of fatalities in the construction industry, and in the overall number of deaths resulting from falls in the workplace; both of which were the lowest on record in 2005-06.
	Within the European Union, Great Britain now has the lowest rate of workplace fatal injury per 100,000 workers
	I, and the HSC remain committed to reducing the number of people killed or injured as a result of their work activities. These figures show the benefit of good health and safety regulation, sensibly applied.

TRANSPORT

A120

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his latest estimate is of the  (a) commencement and  (b) completion dates of the scheme to upgrade the A120 between Braintree and Marks Tey.

Stephen Ladyman: A public consultation on options for the scheme took place in 2005 and resulted in a number of additional routes being suggested by respondents. The Highways Agency is undertaking investigation into these suggestions, as well as further investigations into its own proposals. This work is nearing completion.
	At the time of the public consultation, the scheme was expected to be open to traffic about 2013, subject to the successful completion of all necessary statutory procedures. As the A120 is a route of regional importance the scheme has been considered in the regional funding allocation prioritisation process.
	In their submission to Government, the East of England regional assembly prioritised the scheme for start of works in the 2011-12 to 2015-16 period.

A120

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he intends to announce the preferred route for the proposed upgrade of the A120 between Braintree and Marks Tey.

Stephen Ladyman: A public consultation on options for dualling the A120 between Braintree and Marks Tey ended on 17 June 2005, and resulted in a number of additional routes being suggested by respondents. The Highways Agency is undertaking investigations into these suggestions, as well as further considerations of its own proposals. When this work is complete I will then be in a position to consider the way forward.

A120

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the likely cost of the proposed improvement of the A120 between Braintree and Marks Tey; and when the project is expected to be included in the Targeted Programme of Improvements.

Stephen Ladyman: The current estimated cost of the proposed improvement is around 370 million, assuming start of works in 2015-16, with completion in 2018-19. The East of England region has prioritised the scheme for funding towards the end of the period 2011-12 to 2015-16. On this timetable the scheme would not need to enter the targeted programme of improvements for some time.

Aviation

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department has conducted any studies of circling times of aircraft landing at  (a) Heathrow,  (b) Gatwick,  (c) Luton,  (d) Stansted,  (e) London City,  (f) Birmingham,  (g) Liverpool,  (h) Manchester,  (i) Edinburgh,  (j) Glasgow and  (k) Belfast airports.

Gillian Merron: Aircraft stacking (circling), imposed for safety reasons when there is a lack of airport capacity, is an operational matter for NATS, the air navigation services provider. I suggest the hon. Member directs his inquiries to the NATS' chief executive.
	Safety performance, regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority, is the highest priority in air traffic management. In addition, NATS' service performance, including reductions in delays, is incentivised by independent economic regulation by the CAA. From a peak of an average delay of 2.4 minutes per flight in 2002, NATS attributable delays have demonstrated a downward trend to 22.4 seconds per flight in 2006.

Aviation: Air pollution

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many aircraft journeys were made from UK airports for the purpose of  (a) holiday,  (b) other personal (non-work),  (c) commercial business and  (d) Government business travel in each of the last five years; and what estimate he has made of the carbon emissions of each category.

Gillian Merron: Carbon emissions are not available in the categories listed in the question. The Civil Aviation Authority Passenger Survey is carried out at a varying number of airports each year. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs publish emissions estimates for domestic and international aviation. Table 5 of Defra's Statistical Release UK Emissions of Greenhouse Gases (31 January 2007) shows both domestic and international aviation emissions and can be found at the following web link:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/globatmos/gagccukem.htm .

Aviation: Safety

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the safety implications of reducing commercial aircraft turnaround times.

Gillian Merron: No specific assessment has been made concerning the time required to turn around an aircraft. It is for operators to establish turnaround times which will vary with the type of service and desired aircraft utilisation. Each UK operator has a flight operations inspector assigned by the Civil Aviation Authority who will consider the operator's turnaround times against the activities required to be undertaken during the turnaround to ensure there is sufficient time to accomplish the various tasks safely.

Biofuels

Peter Soulsby: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in which locations in each county E85 is sold.

Stephen Ladyman: This information is not held by the Department for Transport. However, through the Infrastructure grants programme administered by the Energy Saving Trust (EST) the Department has helped to fund 10 bioethanol E85 pumps. These are located in Norfolk, Suffolk and Somerset. Further information on pump locations is available on the EST website:
	www.est.org.uk

British Transport Police: Manpower

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many full-time equivalent officers there are in the British Transport Police; and what the projected numbers are for  (a) 2007,  (b) 2008,  (c) 2009 and  (d) 2010.

Tom Harris: This information is not held by the Department for Transport but by the British Transport Police who can be contacted at:
	British Transport Police
	25 Camden Road
	London
	NW1 9LN
	Email: general.enquiries@btp.pnn.police.uk.

Bus Services: Chorley

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many pensioners in Chorley are eligible for the free local bus travel scheme.

Gillian Merron: The number of residents of Chorley aged 60 and over, who, from 1 April 2006, are entitled to free off-peak local bus travel is 21,400. Chorley residents may use their concession throughout Lancashire as the scheme is enhanced to provide county-wide travel.

Departmental Reorganisation

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost was of each re-organisation affecting his Department and its predecessors since 1997.

Gillian Merron: The requested information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department  (a) has taken and  (b) plans to take to ensure that it and related bodies are in compliance with the gender equality duty in the Equality Act 2006 by the April 2007 deadline.

Gillian Merron: The Department has taken the following steps to meet the requirements of the forthcoming gender equality duty requiring public authorities to  (a) eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment and  (b) promote equality of opportunity between women and men which comes into effect on 6 April:
	established a high level Gender Equality Steering Group, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, involving senior officials from across the Department and its executive agencies to oversee the development of the Gender Equality Scheme;
	held a conference to raise awareness on gender equality for transport planners and other interested parties;
	held a series of seminars on the gender equality duty for staff; and
	appointed a Director General and a non-executive board member, as Gender Equality Champions to oversee the progression of the Gender Equality Scheme action plan.
	The Department will be publishing the Gender Equality Scheme by 30 April 2007. This will set out the key activities the Department will undertake over the next three years.

Departments: Freedom of Information

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions special advisers have been consulted in replying to Freedom of Information requests to his Department; and what his Department's policy is on the role of special advisers in the answering of Freedom of Information requests.

Gillian Merron: The Department for Transport does not keep such records. Special advisers carry out their duties in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.

Departments: Freedom of Information

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs on ensuring that private companies performing public services are subject to Freedom of Information regulations.

Gillian Merron: In the course of official business I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues on a wide range of issues.

Departments: Gender Equality

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department is taking to implement the gender equality duty due to come into force on 6 April.

Gillian Merron: The Department has taken the following steps to meet the requirements of the forthcoming gender equality duty requiring public authorities to (a) eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment and (b) promote equality of opportunity between women and men which comes into effect on 6 April:
	established a high level Gender Equality Steering Group, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, involving senior officials from across the Department and its Executive Agencies to oversee the development of the Gender Equality Scheme;
	held a conference to raise awareness on gender equality for transport planners and other interested parties;
	held a series of seminars on the gender equality duty for staff; and
	appointed a director general and a non-executive board member, as Gender Equality Champions to oversee the progression of the Gender Equality Scheme action plan.
	The Department will be publishing the Gender Equality Scheme by 30 April 2007. This will set out the key activities the Department will undertake over the next three years.

Departments: Race Equality Duty

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department has taken to implement the Race Equality Duty since 2000.

Gillian Merron: Following the introduction of the Race Equality Duty the Department produced a Race Equality Scheme in 2003. The scheme was updated and published in 2005.
	Our revised Race Equality Scheme lays out in detail how we have implemented the Race Equality Duty. This includes information on how we:
	assess, and consult on, the likely impact proposed policies will have on promoting race equality;
	monitor policies for any adverse impact on promoting race equality;
	publish the results of assessments, consultation, and monitoring;
	make sure the public have access to information and services; and
	train staff to carry out the general duty and the specific duties.
	A copy of our Race Equality Scheme is available at:
	www.dft.gov.uk
	Some of the Department's key achievements in relation to the scheme include:
	publishing good practice guidance to improve consultation with different social groups;
	publishing on the web a full impact assessment for the Crossrail Project; and
	implementing an e-learning programme to raise staff awareness of the Race Relation (Amendment) Act 2000. 97 per cent. of staff have completed the training to date.

Driving Offences

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many locations offer courses to people as an alternative to having points placed on their licences; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: I am advised by the police that all but one of the forces in the UK offer driver improvement courses as an alternative to prosecution for careless driving. The other police force is in the process of joining the scheme.
	Eleven forces are currently running the national model of speed awareness courses as an alternative to prosecution for exceeding the speed limit, and others are planning to join the scheme. The eleven police force areas are as follows:
	Devon and Cornwall
	Essex
	Hertfordshire
	Kent
	Lancashire
	Leicestershire
	Norfolk
	Staffordshire
	Thames Valley
	Warwickshire
	Wiltshire
	Additionally, seven police force areas offer courses that do not conform to the national model.

Driving: Working Hours

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has considered granting an exemption from Regulation EC 561/2006 to any group of vehicles or their users.

Stephen Ladyman: In addition to various automatic exemptions, the new European Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 on drivers' hours allows member states to exempt certain categories of vehicle.
	We intend to exercise for Great Britain all but one of the national derogations available under the new EU Regulation. However, we do not intend to exercise a newly available derogation for specialised vehicles transporting money and/or valuables. This is because there is no obvious case to exempt such operations which currently take place within the scope of the existing drivers' hours rules without any apparent difficulties.
	Similar arrangements will apply in Northern Ireland.

Driving: Working Hours

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate how many of the vehicles used in the UK recovery industry are fitted with tachographs which conform to Regulation EC 561/2006.

Stephen Ladyman: At present, there is no requirement to fit tachographs to specialised breakdown vehicles. However, the new EU Regulation on drivers' hoursRegulation (EC) No. 561/2006will require that any such vehicles that are over 3.5 tonnes and are operated beyond a 100km radius from their base must be fitted with a tachograph by 31 December 2007.

Driving: Working Hours

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when Regulation EC 561/2006 will come into force in the UK.

Stephen Ladyman: This is a directly applicable EU Regulation which will come fully into force on 11 April 2007.

Exhaust Emissions

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the change in volume of carbon emissions of cars as they age.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department for Transport has made no measurements aimed at establishing the change in volume of carbon emissions of cars as they age, but the assessment is that any change will be slight.
	The carbon emissions from cars appear primarily in the form of carbon dioxide, emissions of which are directly related to fuel consumption. In a well-maintained vehicle, any change in fuel consumption over time would be expected to be small.

Great Western Trains

Edward Vaizey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many  (a) letters and  (b) e-mails his Department has received on the First Great Western rail services since December 2006.

Tom Harris: The ministerial team at the Department for Transport has received 73 letters and e-mails on First Great Western rail services since December 2006.

Heathrow Airport

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what account he intends to take of changes in the prospects for the development of Heathrow Airport in deciding whether to build a new runway at Stansted.

Gillian Merron: The Government's position remains as given in the December 2003 Future of Air Transport White Paper. We support the development of a third runway at Heathrow provided stringent environmental limits can be met and the support for a second runway at Stansted is independent of any development at Heathrow.

Immobilisation of Vehicles

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what legislation regulates wheel clamping; and if he will make a statement.

Gillian Merron: Under the provisions of sections 69 to 74 of the Road Traffic Act (RTA) 1991, London local authorities are granted wheel-clamping powers to use as part of their decriminalised parking enforcement (DPE) operations. Outside of London, local authorities that have been granted DPE powers by an order under schedule 3 of the RTA 1991 are also generally granted wheel-clamping powers by that order. The powers granted by such orders apply the provisions of sections 69 to 74 of the RTA 1991 to the relevant local authority.
	Local authorities, the police and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) can wheel-clamp untaxed vehicles in accordance with section 32A of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994.
	The regulation of private clamping companies operating on private land is a matter for the Home Office. Since 3 May 2005, under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, individuals who carry out licensable vehicle immobilising activities as defined by the Act against a release fee, in England and Wales on private land, require a licence issued for the purpose by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). This requirement includes wheel-clamping and applies to in-house and contract workers.

M6

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether there are plans to widen the M6 motorway between Preston and Warrington.

Stephen Ladyman: There are currently no plans to widen the M6 motorway between Preston and Warrington.

Motor Vehicles: Testing

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has undertaken into vehicle inspection regimes in other EU countries.

Stephen Ladyman: None, specifically, in the recent past. However, we are generally aware of the frequency and nature of testing schemes running in other EU member states.

Motor Vehicles: Testing

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to review the MOT testing system for cars; and if he will make statement.

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to review the frequency required of MOT vehicle tests.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department will consult on options for the future conduct of the MOT schemespecifically the frequency of testingfollowing a recommendation that we do so in the Davidson Review of the implementation of EU legislation.
	A full consultation exercise will begin in the spring.

Motor Vehicles: Testing

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what the main causes are of MOT failures;
	(2)  how many MOT tests were carried out in each year since 1997.

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many MOT tests were carried out in each year since 1997.

Stephen Ladyman: The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) publish this information annually in an Effectiveness Report. The Effectiveness Report for 2005-06 is available online at www.vosa.gov.uk. A hard copy of this report and reports for previous years have been placed in the House of Commons Library, Business and Transport section.

Motor Vehicles: Testing

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the percentage failure rate of cars that were three years old when presented for their MOT testing was in each year since 1997.

Stephen Ladyman: The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency publish the failure rate for vehicles of all ages in an effectiveness report which is available from the House of Commons Library, Business and Transport section.
	Information from the computerised test results for cars (that have been gathered since April 2006) indicates that the current failure rate for cars first registered in 2003 is 18.8 per cent.

Motor Vehicles: Testing

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in which EU member states an MOT system operates.

Stephen Ladyman: All. It is a requirement of European legislationunder directive 96/96/ECfor member states to operate periodical technical inspection schemes for vehicles, and all EU states do so.

Noise: Pollution

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department is taking to reduce noise pollution caused by vehicle exhausts; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: Powers are available under existing legislation to enable enforcement bodies to take action against excessively noisy vehicles. The legislation requires that vehicle exhaust systems and silencers are maintained in good and efficient working order and not altered so as to increase the level of noise emissions.
	As an aid to roadside enforcement the Department is considering whether a sufficiently robust in-service metered noise test might now be feasible. Such a test would enable enforcement bodies to stop vehicles and conduct noise tests at the roadside to identify excessively noisy vehicles. The Department will be letting research later this year to inform policy development.

Official Cars

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to increase the number of cars built in the UK operated by the Government car pool.

Stephen Ladyman: In establishing whether a particular car is suitable for use, the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA) must be satisfied that it offers value for money and meets the guidance Travel by Ministers. The GCDA must comply with European Union and UK procurement regulations for the public sector and cannot favour one manufacturer over another purely on the grounds of the country of manufacture of a particular vehicle.
	Currently Cabinet ministers may choose either a diesel powered Jaguar XJ which is made in the UK, or a Toyota Prius made in Japan. Other Ministers may choose any car providing its average carbon dioxide emissions are less than 185 grams per kilometre.

Park and Ride Schemes: Chelmsford

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of the performance of the Chelmsford park and ride scheme.

Gillian Merron: The Department for Transport has not specifically assessed the performance of the Chelmsford park and ride scheme, which forms part of Essex county council's local transport plan.
	The performance of the Chelmsford park and ride scheme was reported on by Essex county council in its delivery report in 2006 to the Department. The report outlines the impacts of the first Essex Local Transport Plan (over the period 2001 to 2006).
	The evidence provided in the delivery report was assessed by the Department against local and national objectives. The Department classified the Essex local transport plan as having been delivered to a good standard. As part of the assessment process the Department gave credit to those authorities that delivered substantial increases in park and ride facilities.
	Essex county council reported that the Chelmsford park and ride scheme, which was delivered in March 2006, is proving to be a success. It reported that there has been a significant reduction in traffic flow along congested routes with an average of over 4,000 people using the site each week and 440 fewer cars travelling on the Baddow Bypass on weekdays at peak periods. The scheme cost 5.5 million and was completed to budget and on schedule.

Park and Ride Schemes: Greater Manchester

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of the merits of the introduction of park and ride facilities on the outskirts of Greater Manchester.

Gillian Merron: The Department has not made a specific assessment of any proposal for a park and ride scheme in Greater Manchester.
	The Department has assessed the Greater Manchester Second Local Transport Plan, which explains the approach and policy towards heavy rail, light rail, and bus based park and ride.
	It is for the authorities of Greater Manchester, working in partnership with operators proposing schemes, to assess their potential taking account of transport, environmental, social and economic effects, user benefits and financial implications.

Pendolino Trains

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2007,  Official Report, column 772W, on Pendolino trains, whether Milton Keynes Central requires any significant work to  (a) a platform length and  (b) other areas to accommodate the longer trains.

Tom Harris: The platforms at Milton Keynes Central station can accommodate the present length of passenger trains used on the West Coast Main Line. The station would also be able to accommodate the Pendolino trains if extended to 10 or 11 cars, which has been the subject of recent negotiations with Virgin Trains.

Public Transport: Fares

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what ways his policy on low cost ticketing systems for public transport systems has been informed by recent research commissioned by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department is currently researching low cost smartcard ticketing systems. The research is being undertaken by Cheshire county council under contract to the Department and the study will assess a number of innovative ticketing proposals during the next 12 months. This will include, for example, a multi journey park and ride ticket and a combined travel and visitor pass, for use in the Cheshire area.
	This research and the experience gained from the practical trials will help inform future policy in this area.

Rail Services

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport why some Virgin trains stop at Milton Keynes Central to drop off but not pick up.

Tom Harris: A morning peak hour service from the West Midlands, operated by Virgin West Coast Trains and provided mainly for passengers travelling through to London, makes a call at Milton Keynes Central. This decision was taken by Virgin Trains in order specifically to set down a number of regular commuters who travel from the West Midlands.
	A late night journey making the same journey also calls to set down only in Milton Keynes (at 0014). This is because overnight, essential engineering work may prevent the regular operation of the service.

Rail Services

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2007,  Official Report, column 772W, on rail services, what the spare capacity is on Virgin Trains heading south through but not stopping at Milton Keynes Central during peak hours in the morning; and what the percentage spare capacity this equates to in terms of numbers of seats.

Tom Harris: The volume of spare capacity on each train passing through Milton Keynes station during peak hours will inevitably vary from day to day. At present, this may amount to no more than 30 seats in standard class and twice this amount in first class with business continuing to grow significantly.

Railway Network: Climate Change

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department has made an assessment of the long-term effects of climate change on  (a) road disintegration caused by heat and  (b) the safety of rail tracks subjected to greater heat.

Stephen Ladyman: A Department for Transport (DfT) report in 2004 entitled The Changing Climate: Impact on the Department for Transport examined the impact of climate change on transport, including increased summer temperatures causing network disruption through rail buckling and structural failures. This is available on the DfT website.
	The performance of the rail network, including its resilience to hot weather conditions, is an operational matter for Network Rail (NR), as the owner and operator of the national rail infrastructure. However the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) on behalf of the industry has carried out a range of research into the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on rail infrastructure, including an on-going project entitled Implications of weather extremes and climate change on railway infrastructure. Details of this research can be found on the RSSB website at
	www.rssb.co.uk
	The Highways Agency (HA) have re-surfaced 30 per cent. of the trunk road network with deformation resisting material, and have recently introduced a deformation resistant base material into standards in order to combat temperature rise in future years. With regards to local authority roads, a project is currently under way between the Transport Research Laboratory and DfT entitled Climate Change Impacts on Highway Maintenance.

Railway Stations

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received any representations on the future of  (a) Sea Mills,  (b) Shirehampton,  (c) Avonmouth,  (d) St. Andrews Road and  (e) Severn Beach railway stations.

Tom Harris: I have not received any representations specifically about the future of those stations and the Department has not been involved in any discussions about their future.

Railway Stations: Access

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the cost of establishing vehicle access barriers at all major train stations in England and Wales;
	(2)  what plans he has to install vehicle access barriers at public transport hubs;
	(3)  what representations he has received on the installation of vehicle access barriers at railway stations.

Tom Harris: A study is currently being undertaken by my officials into the practicability and costs of introducing vehicle restraint measures at railway stations. This follows vehicle access barriers being placed temporarily at two London stations, Waterloo and Victoria in June 2006, as part of a series of railway security measures. The current study is in collaboration with both Network Rail and London Underground who are conducting detailed engineering surveys of certain major railway stations. The results of the first three detailed surveys should be available in April 2007.
	Following the completion of this work an informed decision can be taken on whether vehicle restraint measures, for example road barriers on pavement bollards, might present a proportionate and practicable security measure for railway stations, and if so where they might be installed.
	No representations have been received on the installation of vehicle access barriers at railway stations.

Railway Stations: Security Guards

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what checks are made on security guards working at train stations.

Tom Harris: The Department requires nominated rail industry security contacts to be security vetted. We also require that the issue of full staff passes is subject to verification of the applicant's identity and consideration of their previous five years employment history and references for that period.
	In addition, the rail industry and its contractors are required to comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, which requires employers to check that individuals are entitled to live and work in the UK. Any security contractors employed must also be licensed by the Security Industry Authority.

Railways: Fares

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many prosecutions there have been for fare evasion on the national rail network in each of the last 10 years.

Tom Harris: This information is not held centrally. It is a matter for individual train operating companies.

Railways: Fares

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will assess the merits of the implementation of a cap on rail fare increases.

Tom Harris: There is already a cap on rail fare increases, wherever the fare in question is regulated. Regulated fares include fares used by commuters around London and other urban centres, and long distance Saver Return fares. Regulated fares are limited to an annual average increase of inflation+1 per cent., a policy that has operated since 2004. Unregulated fares may be set by operators on a commercial basis.

Railways: Fares

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent advice he has given to rail companies on fare policies.

Tom Harris: The Department for Transport does not give fare policy advice to rail companies. Rail Companies must set regulated fares in line with the fares regulation specified in each operator's franchise agreement. Rail Companies may set unregulated fares as they see fit, on a commercial basis.

Railways: Fares

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the potential effect of increases in rail fares on meeting carbon emission reduction targets.

Tom Harris: Environmental, effects were taken into account in arriving at the current policy for regulated rail fares. This policy limits average annual increases to inflation +1 per cent. In 2007, regulated fares remain on average 2 per cent. less in real terms than they were in 1996.

Railways: Fares

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many representations he received on fare increases on train services in each of the last 12 months, broken down by region; and if he will make a statement.

Tom Harris: Various letters are received from members of the public about rail fares from time-to-time. However, it is not practicable to list or categorise them.

Railways: Milton Keynes

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what requirements exist in rail franchise agreements on the publication of information on trains that stop at stations, with particular reference to Virgin trains that stop at Milton Keynes station during peak periods to allow passengers to alight but not board.

Tom Harris: Virgin are required to publish booklets containing timetable changes and to publish details on their website, at least four weeks before any changes come into effect.

River Mersey: Passenger Ships

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the safety of passenger vessels on the River Mersey; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: Commercial passenger vessels on the River Mersey, as elsewhere, must comply with international or national safety standards and regulations as appropriate, including the rules for preventing collisions.
	Marine surveyors from my Department's Maritime and Coastguard Agency regularly inspect all passenger vessels to check compliance with those standards and regulations, including the certification of the crew.
	There are specific inspection regimes applying to all roll-on-roll-off passenger vessels and high speed craft operating ferry services within the European Community and the European Economic Area.
	The Mersey has a Vessel Traffic Information Service that provides information to river users. Crossing manoeuvres on the Mersey are agreed between the masters of each vessel, which in the majority of cases have pilots on board or masters holding Pilotage Exemption Certificates.

River Mersey: Passenger Ships

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received a report on the Seacat collision on the River Mersey on Saturday 2 February; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: I received a report from the Department's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). On Saturday 3 February there was a collision between two ships, the high speed ferry Sea Express 1 and the bulk carrier Alaska Rainbow. The Sea Express 1 had 294 passengers and a number of vehicles onboard and was bound for its berth at Liverpool Pier Head. The Alaska Rainbow had a cargo of steel and was inbound for Alfred Dock.
	Following the collision the Sea Express 1 proceeded to its berth and all passengers disembarked safely. The Alaska Rainbow returned to a safe anchorage at sea.
	Marine surveyors from the MCA observed that two compartments in the starboard pontoon of the Sea Express 1 had been flooded and a third compartment had a hole above the waterline.
	On 5 February the Sea Express 1 was moved to the Wet Basin at Cammell Laird's facility to await repairs following a formal direction given by the Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention. The Alaska Rainbow was subject to an MCA inspection in Birkenhead and was cleared to sail.
	The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is investigating the causes of the accident.

Roads: Accidents

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to what proportion of road traffic accidents the police called recovery vehicle services on  (a) motorways and  (b) all other roads in each of the last five years.

Stephen Ladyman: The information requested is not available.

Roads: Bingley

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people have yet to receive compensation payments agreed with his Department for the work carried out on the Bingley relief road; and when he expects outstanding payments to be made.

Stephen Ladyman: There are 262 outstanding agreed compensation payments to be made to those affected by the use of the A650 Bingley relief road. Of those, 245 are agreed part one compensation payments and it is expected that payment will be made within the next four months.
	The remaining 17 cases will receive compensation for land and rights being acquired by compulsory purchase order. Payment for these is expected to be made within the next six months.

Roads: Chorley

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents involving  (a) trains,  (b) buses and  (c) private hire vehicles there were in Chorley in each of the last five years.

Gillian Merron: The information requested is given in the table. No information is available for private hire vehicles.
	
		
			  Number of accidents involving trains or buses in Chorley: 2001-05 
			   Trains( 1)  Buses( 2) 
			 2001 2 7 
			 2002 1 8 
			 2003 1 7 
			 2004 4 11 
			 2005 1 7 
			 (1 )Includes: Train accidentscollisions, derailments, trains running into obstructions and missile damage to drivers cab windscreens. Movement accidentsInjuries to people either struck by trains or injured on board trains. (2 )Buses (include coaches) carrying 17 or more passengers involved in reported personal injury road accidents.

Roads: Lancashire

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of roads there are in Lancashire.

Stephen Ladyman: The total length of road in the area covered by Lancashire county council is 4,299 miles. This is the most recently available figure and is for 2005.

Roads: Lighting

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many local authorities have contracts with their electricity supplier which allow unlimited use of electricity for street lighting at a fixed price; and what his policy is on such contracts.

Stephen Ladyman: This information is not held centrally. Local highway authorities decide on their own service level for street lighting based upon local circumstances. It is for each authority to consider which contractual arrangements are required to deliver that service level.
	Most local authority street lighting energy in England is supplied on an unmetered basis, where authorities enter into a contract on a pre-determined price and usage structure. This is not the same as unlimited energy at a fixed price, but calculates the number of kilowatt-hours used on the basis of assumed average consumption per lamp.
	The Department endorses Well-lit Highways, the code of practice on highway lighting management (December 2004, TSO) published by the UK Lighting Board, which provides guidance on the procurement of electricity.

Roads: Lighting

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the annual consumption of electricity for street lighting was for the latest available period.

Stephen Ladyman: Street lighting in England is the responsibility of local highway authorities in respect of local roads and the Highways Agency in respect of the trunk road network. The electricity supply for public lighting is not normally metered, but is based on notional lamp wattages and hours of use. The actual electricity consumption is therefore unknown.

Roads: Lighting

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has to encourage local authorities to reduce energy consumption in relation to street lighting.

Stephen Ladyman: Provision of street lighting on local roads in England is a matter for individual local highway authorities, who decide on the service level to provide based upon their own local circumstances.
	The Department endorses Well-lit Highways, the code of practice on highway lighting management (December 2004, TSO) published by the UK Lighting Board. The board, in conjunction with the Institution of Lighting Engineers, has also produced Invest to Save, which provides guidance to local authorities considering adopting energy saving measures such as dimming or mid-night switching-off of lights. The effects of reducing lighting levels or turning lights off will vary from case-to-case. Any financial or environmental savings from reduced energy use would have to be balanced against potential adverse effects, for example on accidents or crime.

Roads: Snow and Ice

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many  (a) snow-ploughs and  (b) salt-spreading vehicles are available for clearing roads in Lancashire.

Stephen Ladyman: The provision of winter service equipment for non trunk roads in Lancashire is the responsibility of the county council, and the information requested, in relation to those roads, is not held centrally. The Department endorses Well-maintained Highways, the code of practice for highways maintenance (TSO, July 2005), published by the UK Roads Board. This encourages local highway authorities to develop a winter service operational plan, and to ensure that resources are available to deliver it.
	The Highways Agency manages the trunk roads in Lancashire. The Agency has 48 salt-spreaders, all of which are fitted with snow ploughs, available for use in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, and Merseyside.

Roads: Suffolk

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  how many road traffic accidents occurred on the A14 in Suffolk in each year since 1997, broken down by the day of the week on which the accident occurred;
	(2)  how many road traffic accidents occurred in Suffolk in each year since 1997, broken down by the day of the week on which the accident occurred.

Stephen Ladyman: The number of reported personal injury road accidents on the A14 in Suffolk and in the county of Suffolk in each year from 1997 to 2005 is given in the following tables.
	
		
			  Number of road accidents, by day of the week on the A14 in Suffolk, 1997- 2005 
			   Monday  Tuesday  Wednesday  Thursday  Friday  Saturday  Sunday 
			 1997 16 19 22 15 16 20 20 
			 1998 18 16 20 11 22 18 18 
			 1999 22 20 17 14 17 16 16 
			 2000 19 27 24 28 14 15 11 
			 2001 17 17 22 23 21 22 16 
			 2002 26 28 20 20 27 21 15 
			 2003 22 22 23 23 14 11 13 
			 2004 17 20 25 23 21 20 17 
			 2005 18 23 33 16 28 15 17 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of road accidents, by day of the week: Suffolk, 1997- 2005 
			   Monday  Tuesday  Wednesday  Thursday  Friday  Saturday  Sunday 
			 1997 308 328 357 323 385 295 228 
			 1998 328 337 331 310 374 330 241 
			 1999 339 340 327 327 362 314 289 
			 2000 309 319 334 355 427 327 241 
			 2001 382 348 338 328 386 332 242 
			 2002 335 328 314 375 380 321 247 
			 2003 356 343 308 356 393 298 287 
			 2004 289 310 349 374 353 301 244 
			 2005 337 319 361 325 377 283 235

Roads: Suffolk

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  how many road traffic  (a) accidents and  (b) fatalities occurred on the A14 in Suffolk between the hours of 8pm and 8am in each year since 1997;
	(2)  how many road traffic  (a) accidents and  (b) fatalities occurred in Suffolk between the hours of 8pm and 8am in each year since 1997.

Stephen Ladyman: The number of reported personal injury road accidents and the resulting fatalities on the A14 in Suffolk and the county of Suffolk between the hours of 8 pm and 8 am in each year from 1997-2005 is given in the following tables.
	
		
			  Number of road accidents and fatalities on the A14 in Suffolk between the hours of 8 pm and 8 am: 1997-2005 
			   Accidents  Fatalities 
			 1997 29 3 
			 1998 23 1 
			 1999 26 1 
			 2000 33 4 
			 2001 39 5 
			 2002 50 3 
			 2003 36 1 
			 2004 37 3 
			 2005 42 2 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of road accidents and fatalities in Suffolk between the hours of 8 pm and 8 am: 1997-2005 
			   Accidents  Fatalities 
			 1997 519 15 
			 1998 526 4 
			 1999 518 22 
			 2000 502 21 
			 2001 553 18 
			 2002 543 19 
			 2003 566 20 
			 2004 518 16 
			 2005 530 19

Taxis

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on  (a) increased regulation of private hire vehicles and  (b) restrictions on their use of bus lanes.

Gillian Merron: Central Government is responsible for the legislative framework for the regulation of private hire vehicles (PHVs), though individual local licensing authorities have discretion over the detailed rules and standards which apply in each local area. Following consultation last year, we have produced best practice guidance to assist local authorities in this regard (this guidance is on the Department's website). From time to time we receive representations either about decisions made locally or suggesting changes to the relevant legislation.
	During the passage of the Road Safety Bill last year, we received a range of comments on our decisions to repeal what is known as the 'contract exemption' from the PHV licensing requirement and to introduce a power for local licensing authorities to be able to immediately suspend or revoke a taxi or PHV driver's licence if they consider this necessary in the interests of public safety. Subsequently, in response to a consultation with stakeholders, we received a number of views on the timing of the coming into force of contract exemption repeal.
	We have received a small number of representations about restrictions on PHVs using bus lanes, including the M4 bus lane. Any decision to allow PHVs to use bus lanes on local roads outside London falls to the local highway authority. Within London, TfL have responsibility for decisions on the issue.

Tolls

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he plans to put in place to ensure foreign registered vehicles comply with  (a) congestion charging and  (b) other road pricing mechanisms; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: Local authorities considering road pricing pilots are at an early stage in developing their proposals. Any enforcement regime will be part of those proposals. It is too early to say how such enforcement regimes will operate in respect of foreign vehicles.

Tolls: Voluntary Work

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will exempt  (a) volunteer drivers and  (b) voluntary driver services from current pilots of road pricing.

Stephen Ladyman: It is for local authorities to propose detailed rules for their pricing schemes.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan and Iraq: Human Rights

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many issues have been raised with the Government by the International Committee for the Red Cross in  (a) Afghanistan and  (b) Iraq; how many of the issues raised (i) related to the UK forces and (ii) were communicated to the UK in its role as a member of the multinational forces; how many detainees were the subject of issues raised; whether the Government has responded in each case; whether the International Committee for the Red Cross has declared itself to the Government as dissatisfied with the response or raised the issue again subsequently; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: As my hon. Friend is aware from the previous written answer I gave to him on 3 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1654W and the answer my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Bill Rammell) gave to him on 16 November 2004,  Official Report, column 1340W, we and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regard the contents of our frequent contacts with them, including on Iraq and Afghanistan, as confidential. We would not wish to break with this customary practice as it would risk undermining the ICRC's work in other countries. This principle of confidentiality allows the ICRC to remain impartial, gain repeated and unrestricted access to prisoners, and urge detaining authorities to make any improvements that may be necessary.
	We value our excellent, constructive and co-operative relationship with the ICRC.

Bermuda: Armed Forces

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which members of the Bermuda Overseas Territory Government have served as conscripts in the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

Geoff Hoon: Officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have been in touch with the Bermuda Regiment who have advised that four of the 20 male members of the governing party have served as conscripted soldiersThe hon. David Burch, The hon. Derrick Burgess, The hon. Terry Lister and Senator Wayne Caines.

British Overseas Territories

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on relations between the UK Government and the government of  (a) Gibraltar,  (b) the Falklands,  (c) the British Virgin Islands,  (d) the Cayman Islands and  (e) the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Geoff Hoon: Relations between the UK and the Governments of Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are good. We work in partnership with the governments of all the UK's overseas territories and expect to continue this with the new Government of the TCI following elections there on 9 February.
	On 21 to 22 November 2006 elected leaders of each of these governments, except Gibraltar, attended the eighth Overseas Territories Consultative Council in London chaired by my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Triesman of Tottenham. The Council held productive discussions on issues which included good governance, human rights, criminal justice strategy, the challenge of climate change and disaster preparedness.
	The UK has had a close relationship with the Government of Gibraltar in recent months, most notably in the context of the Trilateral Agreement reached in Cordoba last September and the drafting of Gibraltar's new constitution, which came into effect in January.

British Overseas Territories: Official Cars

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what make of cars are made available to the governor of each of the UK's overseas territories.

Geoff Hoon: Governors of the overseas territories have a car provided as their official vehicle, either by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) or by the territory government. The FCO currently provides the official vehicles for Governors in Turks and Caicos Islands (Providenciales only), Anguilla, Gibraltar and Montserrat. The make of car provided in each territory is as follows:
	
		
			   Car make 
			 Anguilla Rover 
			 Bermuda BMW 
			 British Virgin Islands Lexus 
			 Cayman Islands Cadillac 
			 Falkland Islands Landrover 
			 Gibraltar Jaguar 
			 Montserrat Toyota 
			 Pitcairn (1) 
			 St. Helena Rover 
			 Turks and Caicos Islands Landrover on Providenciales and a Ford on Grand Turk 
			 (1) Governor is non-resident.

British Virgin Islands

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a Government Minister last visited the British Virgin Islands; and what plans there are for a Ministerial visit to the British Virgin Islands.

Geoff Hoon: My hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Bill Rammell, made an official visit to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in September 2004.
	There are no plans for a Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister to make a further early visit to the BVI. Foreign engagements for Government Ministers are kept under constant review. It is not practice to announce such visits until they are firm. Because of the unpredictable nature of world events, final decisions on overseas visits are often not possible until very shortly before a visit and an announcement is sometimes not possible until a visit is under way.
	A delegation from the BVI, including the Chief Minister and leader of the Opposition, will be travelling to the UK to take part in constitutional review talks with my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, later this month.

Burma: Religious Freedom

Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government  (a) have taken and  (b) plan to take to prevent religious persecution in Burma.

Ian McCartney: There are severe restrictions on freedom of all religions, including towards members of the majority Buddhist faith, particularly if they are perceived as anti-government. Ethnic minority communities, many of whom are Christian, are disproportionately affected by the wider pattern of human rights abuse carried out by the Burmese regime.
	We condemn all instances where individuals face persecution or discrimination because of their faith or belief, wherever they happen and whatever the religion of the individual or group concerned.
	I have raised the human rights situation regularly with the Burmese regime and other governments in the region. On 16 June 2006, I called in the Burmese ambassador and on 5 July 2006 I wrote to the Burmese Foreign Minister, highlighting our many concerns, including the freedom to express religious belief. On 18 September 2006, I raised the serious human rights situation with Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) ambassadors, including the Burmese ambassador, and on 4 December 2006 with the ASEAN Secretary-General. I have also raised Burma with the Governments of China, India, Japan, Thailand and South Korea. I have discussed the human rights abuses taking place in Burma with Juan Mendz, the United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. I discussed Burma in detail with Ibrahim Gambari, the United Nations Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs, on 15 November 2006, following his visit to the country.
	In addition, our ambassador in Rangoon regularly raises human rights with the regime, most recently when he met the Burmese Ministers for Planning and Immigration and the Burmese Deputy Foreign Minister on 5 January.
	On 24 January, I met representatives from the Burmese Chin and Kachin ethnic groups to discuss the many difficulties faced by their respective communities, including violations of their religious freedoms.
	We shall continue, bilaterally and with international partners, to urge the Burmese regime to pursue laws and practices which foster tolerance and mutual respect and protect religious minorities from persecution and discrimination.

China: Torture

Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make representations to the Chinese Government to encourage the introduction of legislation in China to prohibit the use of evidence from torture in Chinese courts.

Ian McCartney: Combating torture in China remains a priority for the Government. We have consistently lobbied the Chinese Government to unambiguously prohibit the use of evidence obtained through torture. At the most recent round of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue held in London on Monday 5 February, we encouraged China to introduce legislation to prohibit the use of evidence obtained through torture. Through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Global Opportunities Fund, Sustainable Development strand, we impress the need for improved judicial process, policing practice and detention centres and have supported programmes offering training to police, prison staff and prison inspectors. We also funded the first international seminar to take place in China on the UN Convention Against Torture in August 2006.

Colombia

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2007,  Official Report, column 820W, on Colombia, what assessment her Department has made of the observance of the human rights of  (a) Raquel Castro and  (b) Samuel Morales by the Colombian authorities since their arrest on 5 August 2004; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: While our embassy in Bogota is responsible for monitoring the welfare of any British citizens in detention in Colombia it is not responsible for, nor able to monitor closely, the human rights of non-British nationals, such as Mr. Morales and Ms Castro. However, it regularly impresses upon the Colombian Government the importance we attach to human rights and respect for the rule of law. It also maintains ongoing dialogue with leaders of the Colombian trade union movement over human rights and labour issues.
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office recently sponsored training courses for the Colombian judiciary and prosecuting services aimed at helping them to further improve the administration of justice in Colombia. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, has also met Colombian trade unionists in both Colombia and London.

Colombia

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2007,  Official Report, column 820W, on Colombia, what information the UK embassy in Bogota has received from the Colombian Government on the legal case against Samuel Morales and Raquel Castro; what reports she has received from the embassy on the case since receipt of that information; whether she has made representations to the Colombian authorities on  (a) the safety of the conviction and  (b) the nature of the offence with which they were charged; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The Colombians have advised our embassy in Bogota of the current stage of the judicial process each time the embassy sought information on developments in the case against Mr. Morales and Ms Castro. These regular updates did not include specific details of the case itself. Rather, our embassy has consistently sought assurances from the Colombian Government that the human rights of the detainees were being fully observed. It has not questioned the safety of the convictions nor the nature of the offence. While we have concerns over the human rights situation in Colombia, and engage regularly with the Colombian Government over specific cases, we have neither the locus nor the resources to monitor and evaluate every legal and technical aspect of each case.
	We will continue to engage with the Colombian Government, our partners including the UN and EU, as well as civil society to try to help improve the human rights situation in Colombia.

Committees: Ministerial Attendance

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions  (a) she and  (b) departmental Ministers have been requested to appear before committees of (i) devolved institutions and (ii) the European Parliament since 2004; on what topic in each case; how many and what proportion of such requests were accepted; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers regularly attend committees of the devolved institutions and the European Parliament in the course of official business. It is not possible to provide the more detailed information requested without incurring disproportionate cost.

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps her Department is taking to implement the gender equality duty due to come into force on 6 April.

Geoff Hoon: We are well advanced in our preparations for the Gender Equality Duty. In November 2006, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) published its first overarching Diversity Equality Scheme, which incorporates our Gender Equality Scheme. We see all diversity strandsincluding genderas of equal importance and in line with many employers we have produced one scheme to underline that message. Our Diversity Equality Scheme has provided us with a framework to ensure that the FCO meets its statutory duties and promotes inclusive management practice so that all staff of whatever background are encouraged to fulfil their potential.
	Using the scheme's framework, we have consulted extensively with FCO staff and key stakeholders, in order to ensure we fully identify gender equality issues for the FCO as an employer and a provider of services and functions. This has included surveys, Gender Equality Workshops and a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis of FCO gender equality issues. With the assistance of the Women and Equality Unit at the Department for Communities and Local Government, a detailed action plan is being drawn up.

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps her Department  (a) has taken and  (b) plans to take to ensure that it and related bodies are in compliance with the gender equality duty in the Equality Act 2006 by the April 2007 deadline.

Geoff Hoon: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Solihull (Lorely Burt) today (UIN 120628).

Departments: Official Cars

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many vehicles belonging to her Department were  (a) lost and  (b) stolen in each year since 1997; and what the (i) make and model and (ii) value was of each vehicle.

Geoff Hoon: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Services are not aware of any official vehicles that were lost or stolen since 1997. We are unable to check every overseas Post who have an official vehicle fleet as this would incur disproportionate cost, but we have no notification locally that would indicate any loss or stolen vehicles in the overseas fleet.

EC Law

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will bring forward proposals to enable the House to consider the activation of passerelle provisions in EC treaty law before they are implemented as referred to in the answer of 10 July 2006,  Official Report, column 1528W, on passerelle clauses.

Geoff Hoon: There are three passerelle provisions in the treaty establishing the European Community. These are articles 67(2), 137(2) and 175(2). They cover certain aspects of immigration, asylum and judicial co-operation in civil matters (67(2)), social provisions (137(2)), and environmental policy (175(2)).
	As noted in my answer to the hon. Member on 10 July 2006,  Official Report, column 1528W, to date only the passerelle provision in article 67(2) has been activated. Articles 137(2) and 175(2) require that any proposals to activate the passerelle provisions in these areas would be put forward by the European Commission. The Government are unaware of any Commission proposals to use articles 137(2) and 175(2) at this point. If there are any developments in future, we will ensure that Parliament is kept informed through the parliamentary scrutiny process.

European Union: Advertising

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what issues the EU is permitted to spend funds advertising on UK television and radio.

Geoff Hoon: It is the responsibility of the representations of the EU institutions in each member state to allocate their budgets for promotional activity. Any such advertising on UK television and radio would need to comply with the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice advertising code.

Guantanamo Bay

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with her American counterparts on the future of Guantanamo Bay.

Kim Howells: We discuss a wide range of detainee issues, including Guantanamo Bay, with the US Administration on a regular basis.
	The Government believe that Guantanamo Bay should close. President Bush has said he would like to close Guantanamo Bay as soon as practicable. We welcome this, and the US Government's efforts to reduce numbers at the camp. Careful consideration, however, needs to be given to how numbers at the camp can be reduced so that international security is maintained, while ensuring the human rights of the detainees are respected, including if they are transferred back to their country of nationality.
	We continue to raise humanitarian concerns about detentions at Guantanamo Bay with the US authorities.

Guantanamo Bay

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with the US authorities on transferring of detainees at Guantanamo Bay to other countries; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: We discuss a wide range of detainee issues, including Guantanamo Bay, with the US Administration on a regular basis.
	The Government believe that Guantanamo Bay should be closed. President Bush has said he would like to close Guantanamo Bay as soon as practicable. We welcome the US government's efforts to reduce numbers at the camp. Careful consideration, however, needs to be given to how numbers at the camp can be reduced so that international security is maintained, while ensuring the human rights of the detainees are respected, including if they are transferred back to their country of nationality.

Indonesia

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when she next expects to visit Indonesia.

Ian McCartney: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary currently has no plans to visit Indonesia.
	However, she has recently had valuable discussions with her Indonesian counterpart, along with the Indonesian Trade and Defence Ministers, at the inaugural session of the UK-Indonesia Partnership Forum on 31 January 2007. The Ministers discussed strategic co-operation on counter-terrorism, good governance and a range of international issues including climate change and UN reform.
	The establishment of the Partnership Forum builds on the success of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia in March 2006 and is a sign of the growing strength of the partnership between the UK and Indonesia and the commitment of the two countries to building an effective and co-ordinated approach to common challenges.

Iraq: Emigration

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of Iraqi  (a) scientists and  (b) government officials who left Iraq for Syria in the month before the allied invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Kim Howells: It is the long-standing policy of the Government not to comment on intelligence matters.

Iraq: Oil

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings officials from her Department have held with international oil companies since January 2003 to discuss Iraq; and what subjects were discussed.

Kim Howells: Our work on Iraq's economic and energy sector has included contacts with oil companies, as well as trade unions representatives and non-governmental organisations. These exchanges have included discussion of Iraq's evolving hydrocarbons legislation where British international oil companies' have valuable perspectives to offer based on their experience in other countries.
	Discussions with international oil companies on hydrocarbons legislation have included the range of contract types which Iraq is considering.

Iraq: Weapons

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the  (a) nature and  (b) quantity of (i) chemical and (ii) biological weapons or weapons capability that was transferred from Iraq to (A) Syria and (B) Lebanon in the six months prior to the allied invasion of Iraq in 2003; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: It is the long-standing policy of the Government not to comment on intelligence matters.
	Lord Butler had uninhibited access to all UK intelligence material and other relevant Government papers relating to Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Having fully accepted Lord Butler's recommendations, which have now been implemented, the Government do not propose re-opening the debate on issues which were fully covered in his report.
	The hon. Member may find it useful to refer to the March 2005 Addendums to the Comprehensive Report of the Special Advisor to the (US) Director of Central Intelligence on Iraq's WMD, which covers the issue of movement of any WMD out of Iraq in the period leading up to the 2003 conflict.
	The report can be found on the United States' Central Intelligence Agency website at: https://www.cia.gov/cia/reports/iraq_wmd_2004/addenda.pdf.

Islam: Festivals and Special Occasions

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the budget is of her Department's delegation to the Hajj.

Kim Howells: For the financial year 2006-07 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office budgeted 78,870 for the British Hajj delegation.

Kashmir

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on the situation in Kashmir.

Kim Howells: We welcome the shared commitment by India and Pakistan to continue their dialogue process to seek a resolution of all outstanding issues, including Kashmir. The fourth round of the Composite Dialogue is scheduled to begin in March.
	We remain concerned about acts of terrorism in Kashmir. We continue to encourage Pakistan to stand by its commitment to prevent infiltration across the Line of Control.
	We also continue to press for an improvement in the human rights situation in Kashmir, where there are continued reports of human rights violations.

Kosovo

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the timetable is for resolving the status of Kosovo.

Geoff Hoon: UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari presented his draft settlement proposals to the parties in Belgrade and Pristina on 2 February. There will now be a period of consultation with the parties before he submits his proposals to the UN Security Council. The precise timetable is a matter for President Ahtisaari.
	We continue to encourage both Pristina and Belgrade to engage positively with the UN Special Envoy. We support the Special Envoy's efforts to bring the Kosovo status process through to completion, enabling the Balkan region to move beyond the conflicts of the recent past towards a future with a European and Euro-Atlantic perspective.

Libya

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans she has to visit Libya; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has no current plans to visit Libya.
	The hon. Member will be aware that my right hon. Friend the then Home Secretary (Mr. Clarke) and I visited Libya in 2006, as did my hon. Friend the Minister for Higher Education and Lifelong Learning (Bill Rammell) and my hon. Friend the then Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs (Ian Pearson). I last met Libyan Europe Minister Obidi in London on 28 November 2006 to continue our discussions on bilateral issues. The UK and Libya continue to develop and strengthen co-operation in a range of areas, including in health, education, migration, policing, trade and investment, and counter-terrorism. Senior officials have visited Libya recently to pursue this.

Lord Levy

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost of providing  (a) accommodation and  (b) expenses for overseas trips by Lord Levy was in each year since his appointment.

Kim Howells: On nearly every visit my noble Friend Lord Levy stayed at the residence of the ambassador. Lord Levy receives no remuneration and travels at his own expense.

Lord Levy

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 25 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1951W, on Lord Levy, why the Foreign Office website states that Lord Levy was present in Kazakhstan in August 2003; on what date he flew to Kazakhstan; and whether his outbound flight was paid for from the public purse.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website has been amended to show that my noble Friend Lord Levy travelled to Kazakhstan on 31 August 2003 and was there on 1-2 September 2003.
	My noble Friend Lord Levy receives no remuneration and travels at his own expense when acting as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's Special Envoy.

Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who she expects to represent the UK at the non-proliferation treaty preparatory committee meeting in Geneva in May.

Kim Howells: The UK delegation to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty preparatory committee in Vienna in May will be headed by Ambassador John Duncan, the United Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. He will be accompanied by officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Trade and Industry. No decision has yet been made on ministerial attendance.

Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what policy statement will be made by UK representatives at the non-proliferation treaty preparatory committee meeting in Geneva in May; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: No final decision has yet been made on the number and content of any statements that the UK will make at the nuclear non-proliferation treaty preparatory committee in Vienna in May. We expect that, at a minimum, we will make a national statement during the opening plenary session. A copy of this statement will be placed in the Library of the House.

Permanent Committee on Geographical Names

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost of the Permanent Committee on Geographical Names was in the last year for which figures are available.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office paid 59,826.83 for the Permanent Committee on Geographical Names for the financial year 2005-06. This represents one third of the total costs, the other two-thirds being met by the Ministry of Defence.

Rafiq Gorgi

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the British embassy has taken to assist Mr Rafiq Gorgi in his request for his deceased wife's personal belongings to be returned.

Kim Howells: Before he left Saudi Arabia in January, Mr. Gorgi took possession of all his wife's belongings with the exception of her Koran, which could not be found. Following several requests to the Saudi authorities to continue the search for the Koran, they confirmed to our consulate in Jeddah on 4 February that it could not be found and must be assumed lost. We informed Mr. Gorgi on the same day.

Saudi Arabia

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when she next plans to visit Saudi Arabia.

Kim Howells: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is actively considering visiting Saudi Arabia but foreign engagements for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers are kept under constant review. It is not our practice to announce such visits until they are firm. Because of the unpredictable nature of world events, final decisions on overseas visits are often not possible until very shortly before the day of travel.

Saudi Arabia

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Ministers in her Department have visited Saudi Arabia in  (a) 2004,  (b) 2005 and  (c) 2006; and for what purpose.

Kim Howells: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers visited Saudi Arabia as follows:
	2004: My right hon. Friend the then Foreign Secretary (Mr. Straw)
	2005: My noble Friend the then Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister of State (right hon. Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)
	2006: Mr. Straw undertook two separate visits.
	The purpose of these visits was to promote bilateral relations and discuss regional issues.

Saudi Arabia: Human Rights

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations she has received concerning the treatment of British citizens in Saudi Arabia.

Kim Howells: In November 2006, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary held two meetings with five British nationals formerly detained in Saudi Arabia.
	She has also recently received representations about the treatment of a British citizen currently held in Jeddah. A consular access visit has taken place and the detainee's family are being kept informed.

Saudi Arabia: Human Rights

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens have died in Saudi Arabia in each of the last three years.

Kim Howells: We cannot provide definitive figures for the number of British nationals who died in Saudi Arabia in each of the last three years as we only have records of those cases in which consular assistance was sought. Our records, since 2004, for the numbers of British nationals who died while in Saudi Arabia are:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2004 31 
			 2005 34 
			 2006 22 
		
	
	Four deaths were also recorded during this year's Hajj pilgrimage by the British Hajj delegation. We are still waiting to receive notification from the Saudi authorities confirming the dates of death. Therefore, it is unclear at present whether they will be recorded in the figures for 2006 or 2007.

Scotland

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 16 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1003W, on Scotland, what assessment she has made of whether, if an independent Scotland were to leave the EU, the remainder of the UK would have to renegotiate its EU membership.

Geoff Hoon: If Scotland were to become independent from the UK, the rest of the UK would remain part of the EU, but changes in arrangements would have to be agreed, for example, to reflect the change in the size of the population of the UK.

Somalia: Politics and Government

Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia's decision to impose martial law in those areas under its control; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: We support the Transitional Federal Government's (TFG) attempts to stabilise the security situation and ensure that all Somalis are able to move around without fear. A state of emergency law was passed by the Transitional Federal Parliament of Somalia on 13 January.
	My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, recently met President Yusuf of the TFG in the margins of the African Union summit on 26 January and urged him to be inclusive in the political process of reconciliation. This will be the biggest contributing factor in stabilising the internal situation in Somalia.

Treaties: European Union

David Heathcoat-Amory: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which articles of the EU treaties require membership of the EU.

Geoff Hoon: The EU treaties apply only to EU member states. It is only by acceding to these treaties that states become members of the EU. In some areas, international agreements may be negotiated with third states under which they are associated with, or participate in, measures developed in the framework of the EU.

Treaty of Rome: Anniversaries

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will place in the Library a copy of the draft declaration marking the 50(th) anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

Geoff Hoon: The EU Presidency have not yet circulated a draft text of the Declaration that will be adopted in Berlin to mark the 50(th) anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome. A copy of the final Declaration will be deposited in the Library of the House following its expected adoption on 25 March.

Treaty of Rome: Anniversaries

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what her policy is on the content of the proposed declaration to mark the 50(th) anniversary of the Treaty of Rome; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The Government believe that we should celebrate the 50(th) anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome. We believe the Berlin Declaration should be a short and accessible document. It should not only celebrate 50 years of achievements and the shared values of EU members, but also look forward to the key challenges facing the EU and its citizens in a globalised world.

Uganda: Armed Conflict

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make representations to the government of Uganda on the recent attacks on the Lords Resistance Army by the Ugandan People's Defence Force in designated areas.

Ian McCartney: We have had no reports of recent attacks on the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) by the Ugandan People's Defence Force in designated area. There have, however, been unconfirmed reports of the LRA attacking civilians in southern Sudan in recent days.
	We continue to urge all parties to demonstrate a strong commitment to finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict in northern Uganda. Ideally this would include returning to the mediation process currently being hosted by the government of southern Sudan in Juba. A sustainable peace agreement would be the first step towards enabling the communities of northern Uganda to start rebuilding their lives.

Uganda: Armed Conflict

Chris Mullin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent contribution the Government have made towards a negotiated end to the war in Northern Uganda; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: We continue to urge all parties to demonstrate a strong commitment to finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict in northern Uganda. On 1 February the UK was instrumental in securing a statement to this effect from a number of heads of diplomatic missions in Kampala. We have also provided financial support, amounting to 250,000, to the UN appeal fund supporting the mediation process.
	The immediate priority is for both sides to demonstrate their commitment to the Juba talks. A sustainable peace agreement would be the first step towards meeting the needs of the communities of northern Uganda and improving peace and security in the region.

Uganda: Ethnic Groups

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with the governments of  (a) Uganda and  (b) Kenya on pursuing a peace initiative in Karamoja with the warring tribes in that area.

Ian McCartney: Following an upsurge in violence in Karamoja in late October and early November 2006 the co-chairs (currently Netherlands and Ireland) of the Partners for Democracy and Governance (PDG) group in Kampala called on the Ugandan Prime Minister on 9 November 2006 to express the concerns of the international community. This meeting took place in the context of an ongoing dialogue between the Ugandan government and the PDG about the situation in Karamoja. The UK is an active member of the PDG.
	On 24 November 2006 a number of donor representatives, including the UK, went on a fact finding visit to Kotido District in Karamoja where discussions were held with the local community, district leaders, the army and the Ugandan Minister of State for Karamoja.
	In late December 2006 UK representatives in Nairobi raised the need for co-ordinated peaceful disarmament in this Kenya-Uganda border area with the Kenyan government's co-ordinator for peacebuilding and conflict management and with the Executive Secretary of the Nairobi-based Regional Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons.
	We continue to press for a peaceful and voluntary disarmament process across the region that involves all the stakeholders, respects human rights and protects the civilian population. Disarmament should go hand in hand with broader development interventions in the region.

Uganda: Peace Negotiations

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the prospects for peace in Northern Uganda following the recent breakdown of peace talks; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 24 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1850W to the hon. Member for Cotswold (Mr. Clifton-Brown).

Uganda: Sudan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with the governments of  (a) Uganda and  (b) Sudan on the incursions of the Ugandan Peoples' Defence Force into southern Sudan.

Ian McCartney: We hold regular discussions with the governments of southern Sudan, Uganda and Sudan on the peace talks process in Juba between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government.
	Under the terms of an agreement reached in October 2001, between the governments of Uganda and Sudan, the Ugandan People's Defence Force (UPDF) were permitted to mount operations in southern Sudan against the LRA. As far as the UK is aware this agreement expired in January 2006, but the parties continue to abide by its terms. The government of southern Sudan has not raised any concerns with us at the UPDF's continued presence in southern Sudan.
	Our priority is to support efforts aimed at building a sustainable peace in northern Uganda, which would enable the UPDF to leave southern Sudan.

USA: Entry Clearances

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has made to the US Administration on its requirement for UK citizens with HIV/AIDS to obtain a separate visa to visit that country; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not made any representations to the US Administration on US entry restrictions for UK citizens with HIV/AIDS.
	US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities and as such we have no plans to raise this subject with the Americans.

Written Questions: Administrative Delays

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when she plans to answer Question 113806, on public sector pensions, tabled on 5 January 2007.

Geoff Hoon: I replied to the hon. Member today (UIN 113806).

HEALTH

Air Ambulance Services

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration her Department has given to allowing air ambulance charities to contribute towards the cost of clinical staff; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: Air ambulances are funded by charities. Since 1 April 2002, the cost of clinical staff on air ambulances should be met by the national health service. It is for NHS trusts to decide whether they provide any additional funding to air ambulance charities. If the air ambulance trust wishes to enter into different funding arrangements for clinical staff it should discuss this with the relevant NHS ambulance trust(s).

Anti-psychotic Drugs

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many adverse reaction reports were received through the yellow card reporting system for  (a) all anti-psychotic drugs,  (b) traditional anti-psychotic drugs and  (c) atypical anti-psychotic drugs since 31 March 2006; how many prescriptions there were for each type of drug for those aged (i) 60 to 64, (ii) 65 to 74 and (iii) 75 years and over; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: Reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are collected by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Commission for Human Medicines (CHM) through the spontaneous reporting scheme, the Yellow Card Scheme.
	The anti-psychotic drugs are used in the treatment of schizophrenia and as with all marketed drugs their safety is continually monitored by the MHRA and the CHM.
	The following table shows the number of suspected ADR reports received by the MHRA between 31 March 2006 and 31 December 2006 where an anti-psychotic drug was listed as being suspect.
	
		
			  Number of suspected ADR reports received by the MHRA between 31 March and 31 December 2006 
			   Number 
			 All anti-psychotics 1,529 
			 Atypical anti-psychotics *1,431 
			 Traditional anti-psychotics *107 
			  Note: The total ADR reports all anti-psychotics will not be equal to the sum of both atypical and traditional anti-psychotics; an individual ADR report may provide more than one drug as suspect and therefore may appear in more than one column. 
		
	
	The submission of a suspected ADR report does not necessarily mean that it was caused by the drug. Many factors have to be taken into account in assessing causal relationships including temporal association, the possible contribution of concomitant medication and the underlying disease.
	Of the total 1,529 reports, 729 list Clozaril (active constituent, clozapine) as a suspect drug. Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, which is a severe reduction in the number of white blood cells and can be potentially life threatening if it is not detected and appropriately treated. In order to reduce this risk, the Marketing Authorisation holders are obliged to collect information from the Clozapine Patient Monitoring Scheme and report changes in blood counts to the MHRA via the Yellow card Scheme.
	The incidence of agranulocytosis and the fatality rate in those developing agranulocytosis have decreased markedly since the introduction of this monitoring scheme and the need for regular blood tests during treatment.
	The table shows the number of prescriptions that have been dispensed in the community in England for elderly people. This data covers the period April to November 2006.
	The MHRA does not hold data broken down by age group and so data has been provided for elderly patients which are defined as those over the age of 60.
	Prescriptions for the elderly are based on a one in 20 sample and the figures have been rounded to reflect this. Please see the notes to the following table for more information on this.
	The following table shows the number of prescriptions that have been dispensed in the community in England for elderly people.
	
		
			  Anti-psychotic items dispensed as elderly exemptions from April to November 2006 
			   Number 
			 Atypical anti-psychotics (BNF 4.2.1) 964,000 
			 Typical anti-psychotics (BNF 4.2.1) 667,000 
			 Anti-psychotic depot injections (BNF 4.2.2) 24,000 
			 All anti-psychotics 1,655,000 
			  Note: The exemption data are identified from the box ticked on the back of the prescription form and rely on the form being completed correctly which may not always be the case. Information for categories that are not required to pay a charge (e.g. children) is based on a one in 20 sample of all exempt prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists, appliance contractors and dispensing doctors. The information we have is therefore an estimate and subject to sampling errors. To reflect this we have rounded the exemption figures appropriatelyfigures less than 1,000 are shown as *; figures between 1,000 and 100,000 have been rounded to the nearest 1,000 and figures between 100,000 and 1 million have been rounded to the nearest 10,000. Data for total of all ages have not been rounded since they are not exemption data. Due to rounding, the sum of the components may not equal the totals.

Autism: Social Services

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will amend the guidelines issued to social workers to have regard to  (a) autism,  (b) Asperger's syndrome,  (c) special needs and  (d) other recognised conditions when visiting and assessing a child with a view to making a placement.

Parmjit Dhanda: I have been asked to reply.
	Under section 322 of the Education Act 1996 children's social care advice is provided in respect of statutory assessments of children's special educational needs, including children with Asperger's Syndrome and other Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Guidance on this is given in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (2001) and the SEN Toolkit (2001), section 8 of which contains guidelines for those writing social services advice.
	Under section 28 of the Children Act 1989, where a child is looked after, and the children's services authority propose to place a child in an educational setting they must, as far as is reasonably practicable, consult the appropriate local education authority before doing so. This is to ensure that the child's special educational needs are taken into account.
	We are committed to updating and consolidating the nine volumes of Children Act 1989 statutory guidance to take account of subsequent legislation and this work is in progress. Responses to the Care Matters Green Paper are currently being analysed and the outcome will be reflected in the updated guidance.

Birth Rate

Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the birthrate was in the UK in each of the last 10 years.

John Healey: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 19 February 2007:
	As the National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your question about the birth rate in the UK in each of the last 10 years. (121532)
	The latest year for which figures are available is 2005; the table below shows the birth rate for each year between 1996 and 2005 and also the total period fertility rate, which takes into account the age structure of the population.
	
		
			  Birth rate and total period fertility rate, United Kingdom, 1996 to 2005 
			   Birth rate  Total period fertility rate 
			 1996 12.6 1.73 
			 1997 12.5 1.72 
			 1998 12.3 1.71 
			 1999 11.9 1.68 
			 2000 11.5 1.64 
			 2001 11.3 1.63 
			 2002 11.3 1.64 
			 2003 11.7 1.71 
			 2004 12.0 1.77 
			 2005 12.0 1.79 
			  Notes: 1. The crude birth rate is the number of live births per thousand population. 2. The total period fertility rate is the average number of children that a woman would have if she experienced the age-specific fertility rates for a particular year throughout her childbearing life. 3. In calculating these rates, figures for live births in England and Wales relate to numbers occurring in each calendar year, while for Scotland and Northern Ireland figures relate to numbers of live births registered in each calendar year.

Breast Cancer: Hertfordshire

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place to ensure that women living in Hertfordshire with a high familial risk of breast cancer have access to specialist screening services in line with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) produced a clinical guideline for familial breast cancer in May 2004, which was updated in October 2006. As with previous guidelines, it brings clarity to the complex areas of diagnosis and care of women at risk of familial breast cancer, by providing recommendations for good practice that are based on the best available evidence of clinical and cost effectiveness.
	The guideline recommended that women at moderate risk or greater should receive annual mammography. The October 2006 update added that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, mammography. Additionally, the update recommended that all women should be offered standard written information about MRI examination consistent with the recommendations in the original guideline. If a woman is concerned that she may have a familial risk of breast cancer, she should discuss her concerns with her general practitioner in the first instance.

Clostridium Difficile

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of  Clostridium difficile were reported in each NHS hospital trust in the Eastern Region in each year since 2001; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) receives reports from microbiology laboratories of cases of  Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) under the mandatory surveillance scheme. All acute NHS trusts in England are obliged to report all cases of CDAD in patients aged 65 years and over.
	Mandatory surveillance began in January 2004 and the figures for 2004 and 2005 are available on the HPA's website at:
	www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/hai/mandatory_report_2006.htm.
	Copies are available in the Library.
	Quarterly publication of mandatory surveillance data for CDAD started on 30 January 2007 and data for January-September 2006 are available on the HPA website at:
	www.hpa.org.uk/hpa/news/articles/press_releases/2007/070130_mrsa.htm
	Copies have been placed in the Library.

Community Hospitals: Finance

John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total sum was of the bid made for capital expenditure on community hospitals for which she has allocated 150 million in 2007-08 for which bids were required by 31 December 2006.

Andy Burnham: 25 bids have been received and the total value of these bids is 254.1 million. Decisions about whether to fund these schemes have not yet been made.

Community Hospitals: Finance

John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total sum was of the bids made for capital expenditure on community hospitals for which she has allocated 150 million in 2006-07 for which bids were required by 30 September 2006.

Andy Burnham: 10 bids were received for funding in wave one and the total amount bid for was 83 million. Two of the schemes have since been withdrawn by the strategic health authorities, one did not meet the criteria, decisions on three are still outstanding and we announced on 21 December that we would be allocating 44.5 million to four of the schemes that were submitted.

Dental Services

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many new patients have been taken on by dentists under the NHS since the introduction of the new contract.

Rosie Winterton: The information is not available in the form requested.

Dental Services

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were served by dentists who have ceased providing NHS dental care since the introduction of the new contract; and what percentage has found alternative NHS provision.

Rosie Winterton: The information in this form is not available centrally. Data collected from primary care trusts (PCTs) show that, as of 30 November 2006, the overall additional dental services commissioned by PCTs using resources from closed national health service contracts exceeded the overall level of services that would have been provided under those closed contracts.

Departments: Assets

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 22 January 2007,  Official Report, columns 801-4W, on departmental fixed assets, which fixed assets her Department has sold so far for more than 10,000 in 2006-07; and what the  (a) sale value,  (b) purchaser and  (c) date of sale was of each asset.

Andy Burnham: The information is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Land sales from the Department's retained estate in 2006-07 (to 31 January 2007) 
			  Property  Sale value (000)  Purchaser  Date of sale 
			 11 Edith Road, London 247 K. Mahmood and T Khalid October 2006 
			 Bridge Wharf, London 36 Amicus Horizon Group Ltd. December 2006 
			 48 Park Road, Maidstone 170 S. and G. Johnson and T. Mukaddam July 2006 
			 31 Pathfields, Shere 210 Mount Green Housing Association January 2007 
			 40 Princes Road, Redhill 162 R. Gobin May 2006 
			 42 Princes Road, Redhill 150 R. Gobin July 2006 
			 9 Princes Road, Redhill 200 S. Sim May 2006 
			 Orchard Field, Virginia Water 4,420 Charles Church January 2007 
			 42 Redan Road, Aldershot 142 D. Kingston May 2006 
			 44 Redan Road, Aldershot 149 D. Lyne May 2006 
			 Hollywood Lodge, Epsom 1,200 Carmarthen Holdings Ltd. July 2006 
			 Eastwood Park, Falfield 3,010 Eastwood Park Ltd. May 2006 
			 9 Highbury Villas, Bristol 244 J. Rhys Jones October 2006 
			 Oakleigh, Plymouth 225 Brook Housing Association August 2006 
			 Okehampton Castle Hospital, Okehampton 450 Guinness Trust June 2006 
			 57 Park Road, Loughborough 325 Messrs Chowdhury November 2006 
			 Land at Sedgefield 26 G. Hancock September 2006 
			 Fieldside, Workington 70 Cumbria County Council May 2006 
			 Land at St. Catherine's, Doncaster 625 Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries April 2006 
			 Compton Hospice, Wolverhampton 28 Compton Hospice Ltd. September 2006 
			 Broseley Hospital, Broseley 18 The Lady Forrester Hospital Trust December 2006 
			 Wellington Cottage Hospital, Telford 245 Wellington and District Cottage Care Centre Trust January 2007 
		
	
	Portfolio transfer to English Partnerships as part of a further payment of 40 million: St. Margaret's Hospital, Epping.

Health Services: Assessments

Linda Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what proportion of Fair Access to Care Assessments resulted in the person having some or all of their needs assessed as too low to receive services since the introduction of the scheme;
	(2)  whether Fair Access to Care Services assessments of people over 65 years with dual sensory impairments are routinely carried out by someone qualified in dual sensory impairment;
	(3)  what assessment of the effectiveness of Fair Access to Care has been made since it was introduced; and whether this included a specific assessment of its effectiveness in assessing the needs of deaf/blind people.

Ivan Lewis: The information requested about what proportion of fair access to care assessments resulted in the person having some or all of their needs assessed as too low to receive services since the introduction of the scheme is not held centrally.
	Local authority circular LAC (2001) 8 issued under section 7 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 places a duty on local authorities to ensure that an assessment is carried out by a specifically trained person or team, equipped to assess a person with dual sensory impairment. Our expectation is that local authorities are fulfilling their responsibilities in respect of this.
	An assessment of the effectiveness of fair access to care since it was introduced, and a specific assessment of its effectiveness in assessing the needs of deaf/blind people, have not been made.

Health Services: Hertfordshire

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are being taken to bring Hertfordshire's NHS health economy back into financial balance; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: Both West Hertfordshire Hospital National Health Service Trust and East and North Hertfordshire Hospital NHS Trust are receiving ongoing support from a turnaround director and they were both assisted by a major accountancy firm in the development of the trusts' turnaround plans. Implementation of the trusts' plans are being closely monitored by the strategic health authority turnaround director and the National Programme Office.

Health Services: Hertfordshire

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what restrictions have been placed on hospital referrals in Hertfordshire; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: The Department is not aware of any restrictions to hospital referrals in Hertfordshire.

Health Services: Leeds

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people come under the auspices of the new Leeds primary care trust.

Ivan Lewis: Data collected in April 2005 for general practitioner relevant population as at April 2004 showed 726,377 people came under the auspices of the Leeds primary care trust. The data have been constrained to the Office for National Statistics 2004 mid-year population estimatesbased on the 2001 census, but do not include armed forces and some prisoners.

Health Services: North East Region

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the effect of her Department's policies on Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland constituency  (a) was between 1997 and 2005 and  (b) has been since 2005.

Rosie Winterton: The Government have put in place a programme of national health service investment and reform since 1997 to improve service delivery in all parts of the United Kingdom. There is significant evidence that these policies have yielded considerable benefits for the Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland constituency.
	For example:
	there are no patients waiting over 26 weeks for in-patient treatment and no patients waiting over 13 weeks for out-patient treatment;
	Redcar and Cleveland Primary Care Trust's allocation increased to 189.4 million in 2006-07, a real terms increase of 6.3 per cent. By 2007-08 the PCT's financial allocation will increase to 206.2 million;
	In June 2003 at South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, 92.7 per cent. of patients spent less than four hours in accident and emergency (A and E) from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge. Figures for September 2006 show an improvement to 99.5 percent.;
	in September 2006 at South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust 100 per cent. of patients with suspected cancer were seen within two weeks of referral;
	from April 2006 to September 2006 there were 1.9 MRSA cases per 10,000 bed days compared to 2.9 from April 2001 to September 2001;
	in the Redcar and Cleveland local authority area death rates from cancer per 100,000 population were 194.8 in 2003, compared with 243.2 in 1997;
	in the Redcar and Cleveland local authority area death rates from coronary heart disease per 100,000 population were 141.4 in 2003, compared with 103.3 in 1997;
	in June 2006 a 21 million redevelopment was completed at the Friarage Hospital;
	a 122 million private finance initiative project to build a major tertiary centre at the James Cook University Hospital was completed in June 2003; and
	a new scanner which more accurately pin points where cancer patients need treatment opened in June 2006 at the James Cook University Hospitals at a cost of 650,000. It was purchased through the Department's cancer plan fund.
	 Sources:
	Department of Health
	Office for National Statistics

Health Services: Oxfordshire

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what reports she has received on the progress that NHS organisations comprising the Oxfordshire health economy are making on planned budget deficit reduction measures.

Caroline Flint: In 2006-07, the Department has considerably strengthened the financial regime applied to the national health service, not least by introducing more stringent monthly monitoring arrangements for all organisations, and by the appointment of the NHS Financial Controller to engage in regular performance management discussions with senior strategic health authorities (SHA) representatives.
	The Department therefore continues to work closely with all NHS organisations, especially the most financially challenged, to reduce forecast deficits, acting through the SHAs and turnaround teams as appropriate. For example, action plans have been agreed with SHAs to ensure that financial performance continues to improve. It is the responsibility of primary care trusts and SHAs to analyse their local situation and develop plans, in liaison with their local NHS trusts and primary care providers, to deliver high quality NHS services while achieving financial balance.

Health Services: Plymouth

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2007,  Official Report, column 703, on the private sector, 
	(1)  what the evidential basis is for the performance of the Plymouth and Bodmin treatment centres; and what assessment she has made of the effect of such throughput on the effective use of local NHS hospital capacity;
	(2)  what effect the performance of private sector treatment centres have had on the operation of minimum waiting times for patients;
	(3)  what assessment her Department has made of the impact on NHS hospitals of non-urgent care being undertaken by the private sector.

Andy Burnham: The performance of the independent sector treatment centres (ISTC) in Bodmin and Plymouth is monitored weekly. The number of referrals and completed outpatient and surgery activity figures are monitored and reconciled between the independent provider and the primary care trust sponsors. The value of referral numbers and hospital activity figures are measured as a percentage of the value of the available hospital capacity. The Department is working with the national health service and independent providers to ensure contracts deliver best value.
	ISTCs have been able to provide additional surgical capacity in the South West whilst offering patients a wider choice of hospitals for their treatment. The treatment centres have helped local NHS hospitals in achieving their own maximum waiting time targets. Prior to the opening of the treatment centres, the local NHS used private sector capacity to manage demand from general practitioner, but the introduction of treatment centres has reduced the requirement for this.

Health Services: Prisons

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received from primary care trusts on the impact of prison overcrowding on providing health care to prisoners.

Rosie Winterton: I have had no such representations. The Government have been working to reform the health services available to prisoners. This has seen spending increase from 118 million in 2002-03, to nearly 200 million in 2006-07.

Health Services: Private Sector

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to privatise the commissioning of local health services.

Andy Burnham: We have no plans to privatise the commissioning of local healthcare. Primary care trusts will need reliable experienced support and new skills and techniques to fulfil their challenging role as commissioners of health care. Current procurement arrangements will allow them to access appropriate help should they need and choose to do so.

Health Services: Reorganisation

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the total costs arising directly from the structural reorganisation of  (a) strategic health authorities and  (b) primary care trusts, exclusive of any savings made through reductions in the cost of administration.

Andy Burnham: The Department has estimated that the total redundancy costs arising from Commissioning a patient led national health service will be 325 million. These figures are difficult to estimate and will only become firmer as new structures are put into place in the strategic health authorities (SHAs), primary care trusts (PCTs) and ambulance trusts.
	The reconfiguration of PCTs and SHAs provides an opportunity to deliver savings by reducing the number of organisations and through the greater sharing of functions. By 2008, this reconfiguration is expected to deliver at least 250 million annual savings for re-investment in frontline services.
	In 2006-07, we have not collected separate information in respect of any additional costs of the organisational change.

Health Services: War Pensions

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will place a copy of the most recent guidance issued by her Department to trusts on the priority treatment that should be provided to people who receive a war pension; and when such guidance was last issued.

Ivan Lewis: Health Service Guidelines (97)31Priority treatment for war pensioners, issued on 18 June 1997, is available in the Library.

Hospitals: Admissions

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the mean length of stay was for patients admitted to hospital in each year from 1997-98 to 2005-06.

Andy Burnham: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		
			   Mean length of stay (days) 
			 1997-98 8.8 
			 1998-99 8.4 
			 1999-2000 7.7 
			 2000-01 8.2 
			 2001-02 8.1 
			 2002-03 7.9 
			 2003-04 7 
			 2004-05 7.1 
			 2005-06 6.6 
			  Source:  Hospital Episode Statistics, The Information Centre for health and social care

Hospitals: Waiting Lists

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the  (a) mean and  (b) median waiting times were as provided by data drawn from hospital episode statistics in each year from 1993-94 to 2005-06; and what the commissioner-based (i) mean and (ii) median waiting times were as provided by NHS organisations' monthly returns to her Department in each year.

Andy Burnham: The figures are shown in the table:
	
		
			  Inpatient mean and medians in weeks from 1994 
			   Korner aggregate returns (stock)  Hospital episode statistics (flow) 
			  Year ending  Median commissioner  Mean commissioner  Median provider  Mean provider 
			 March 1994 14.4 20.2 5.9 13.0 
			 March 1995 12.5 17.8 6.1 12.9 
			 March 1996 11.8 15.9 6.0 12.6 
			 March 1997 13.2 18.1 5.7 11.8 
			 March 1998 14.9 20.0 5.9 12.8 
			 March 1999 12.9 18.6 6.4 14.1 
			 March 2000 12.9 18.7 6.1 12.9 
			 March 2001 12.6 18.1 6.3 13.3 
			 March 2002 12.7 17.4 6.7 13.7 
			 March 2003 11.9 15.6 7.0 14.1 
			 March 2004 10.2 12.4 7.1 13.6 
			 March 2005 8.5 10.6 7.4 12.0 
			 March 2006 7.3 8.7 7.3 11.1 
			 December 2006 7.4 8.7 n/a n/a 
			  Notes:  1. HES figures relate to patients admitted during financial year ending March.  2. Korner figures relate to numbers waiting as at 31 March (or at 31 December for the current figures).   Source:  QF01 return, HES.

In Vitro Fertilisation

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many primary care trusts do not provide in vitro fertilisation treatment for new patients.

Caroline Flint: This information is not collected centrally as a matter of routine. However, we are aware that the North Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have temporarily suspended the provision of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures. Gloucestershire PCT has stopped funding IVF for new patients and this will be reviewed in October 2007. We are working with the patient support organisation Infertility Network UK to help PCTs share best practice in the provision of fertility services and engage with fertility patients in the planning and prioritisation of services.

Members: Correspondence

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  when she will respond to the letter of 17 November 2006 sent by the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire on resource allocation;
	(2)  pursuant to the statement by the Minister of State for Delivery and Reform in Westminster Hall of 14 December 2006,  Official Report, column 357WH, when she will write to the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire on the difference in levels of disease in Leigh and Eastbourne.

Andy Burnham: A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 19 February 2007. A copy of this letter has been placed in the Library.

Mental Health Services: Children

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her Department's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service budget was in each of the last five years, broken down by category of expenditure.

Ivan Lewis: Information on ear-marked funding is contained in the table. Both revenue and capital funding are in addition to the general allocations to the national health service and local authorities.
	The child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) mapping exercise for 2005 found that in 2004-05 the total spend on specialist CAMHS by the national health service and local authorities was 431 million. Further information on expenditure on CAMHS can be found at:
	www.camhsmapping.org.uk/2005
	
		
			  Department of Health CAMHS funding 2002-03 to 2006-07 
			   million 
			   NHS revenue  NHS capital  Personal social services revenue 
			 2002-03   20 
			 2003-04   51 
			 2004-05 20 20 67 
			 2005-06 50 20 91 
			 2006-07 (1) 32 91 
			 (1) In 2006-07, resources were made available to SHAs for CAMHS as part of a larger bundle of revenue funding for the NHS.  Source: Department of Health

Mental Health Services: Finance

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what criteria were used to decide which health trusts would receive a share of the 130 million made available to improve the mental health estate in 2006-07; and what the timetable is for primary care trusts to receive their allocation of this funding;
	(2)  what proportion of the 130 million made available to improve the mental health estate in 2006-07 has been allocated to spending on  (a) places of safety,  (b) psychiatric intensive care units and  (c) inpatient wards.

Rosie Winterton: The Department invited mental health trusts to submit bids for a share of the 130 million capital funding pot through their strategic health authorities (SHAs). The bids were assessed by a group comprising Department officials, service users, commissioners and clinical services representatives, following criteria which were outlined in a letter sent to SHA and mental health trust chief executives on 2 March 2006, Capital allocation process: 130 million for adult mental health services. A copy has been placed in the Library.
	The Department considered bids in the following order of priority: for Section 136 health-based place of safety developments; for improvements in the psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) estate; and, for acute mental health ward improvements.
	The 130 million is being allocated to SHAs for subsequent allocation to qualifying mental health trusts. It will not, therefore, go to primary care trusts, except in the small number of cases where these are also service providers. The 2006-07 allocations for PICUs and places of safety were sent to SHAs and foundation trusts in autumn 2006.
	Of the 130 million, 100 million will be allocated to PICUs and places of safety across the two years 2006-07 to 2007-08. Approximately 42 million has been allocated in 2006-07, and approximately 52 million is provisionally identified for allocation in 2007-08. Identifying the exact allocations made to places of safety or PICUs is not possible because some of the successful bids combine development of PICUs and places of safety as single bids, not as separate projects. Similarly timescales for project development varies as some projects involve new build and other relatively small refurbishment works.
	30 million will be allocated to acute inpatient ward developments in 2007-08. I announced last November that this 30 million should focus on capital schemes promoting safety on acute wards, particularly for women service users.

Mental Health Services: Homicide

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  for what reasons her Department does not routinely collect the reports commissioned by strategic health authorities on homicides committed by people in touch with mental health services; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what the  (a) title and  (b) publication date was of each report into a homicide committed by someone in touch with mental health services commissioned under (i) Health Service Guideline 94(27) and (ii) her Department's guideline on independent investigation of adverse events in mental health services in each of the last 20 years.

Rosie Winterton: The independent investigations commissioned and published by local health authorities, and latterly strategic health authorities, are primarily established to examine the care and treatment provided by local services to an individual or individuals. As such, the recommendations that they produce are in general aimed at local service delivery improvements and a local action plan is developed to address the issues identified. Therefore, the Department does not routinely expect to receive copies of these reports. However, it is clear that there may be lessons to be learnt nationally by considering the circumstances of the cases together. This is why the Department, and latterly the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA), commissions the centre for suicide prevention at the University of Manchester to produce the national confidential inquiry into suicide and homicide by people with mental illness (NCISH).
	NCISH covers data on all suicides and homicides committed by someone in touch with mental health services and all sudden, unexplained deaths in psychiatric units. A wide number of aspects of these cases are analysed and recommendations for policy and practice improvement made. In addition, NCISH receives copies of independent investigation reports and undertakes a regular review of them. The NPSA has commissioned NCISH to conduct a review of recent cases which will be completed in March this year, with an initial report available in late 2007 or early 2008.
	While the Department does not routinely expect to receive copies of all independent investigation reports, it has produced a list of those commissioned since the Health Service Guideline 94(27) came into force in 1994 to comply with a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The list, which is available in the Library, has been compiled on a best endeavours basis and is as complete as possible but it is likely that there have been other reports published that are not included.

Mentally Ill: Adult Education

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the potential for adult learning to benefit elderly people diagnosed with  (a) Alzheimer's and  (b) mental illness.

Rosie Winterton: No formal assessment has been made of the potential for adult learning to benefit elderly people diagnosed with Alzheimer's and mental illness. However, Everybody's Business, the Department's service development guide for older adults mental health services, recognises that lifelong learning is one of the elements of staying active, and that it is one of the areas that should be included in health promotion strategies for older people with mental illness.

Mentally Ill: Greater London

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many in-patients in each London Mental Health Trust were  (a) voluntary inpatients and  (b) under section orders in 2005-06.

Rosie Winterton: The information is not available in the format requested as the data do not record whether a patient is voluntary or under a section order.
	The following table shows how many patients were detained under the Mental Health Act for all London mental health trusts in 2004-05, which is the latest available data.
	
		
			  Patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 or other Acts as at 31 March 2005 by trust 
			  Trust  Total male  Total female  Total 
			 North East London mental health national health service trust 72 46 118 
			 West London mental health NHS trust 592 151 743 
			 Barts and The London NHS trust * * * 
			 South West London and St. George's mental health NHS trust 167 97 264 
			 Barnet, Enfield and Haringey mental health NHS trust 265 108 373 
			 University College London Hospitals NHS foundation trust * * * 
			 Central and North West London mental health NHS trust 167 130 297 
			 South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trust 310 143 453 
			 East London and The City mental health NHS trust 241 92 333 
			 Camden and Islington mental health and social care trust 134 93 227

Milton Keynes Primary Care Trust

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which posts and services within Milton Keynes Primary Care Trust are under review.

Caroline Flint: It is the responsibility of primary care trusts and strategic health authorities to analyse their local situation and develop plans, in liaison with their local national health service trusts and primary care providers, to deliver high quality NHS services.

Milton Keynes Primary Care Trust

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how Milton Keynes Primary Care Trust plans to realign dental contracts in the city under the proposed turnaround plan.

Rosie Winterton: It is the responsibility of primary care trusts and strategic health authorities to analyse their local situation and develop plans, in liaison with their local national health service trusts and primary care providers, to deliver high quality NHS services.

NHS Spine Project

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether all patients will be able to opt out of having their  (a) summary and  (b) detailed care record put on (i) the Spine and (ii) any other database other than that of their GP.

Caroline Flint: Patients will be able to ask their general practitioners to prevent a summary care record being created for them on the spine, though the Department advises patients to think carefully before requesting this as the summary care record will enable improved national health service care and reduce clinical risk.
	Detailed care records, however, are held locally within health communities and are not held on the spine. Clinicians are required to keep adequate records for clinical governance and medico-legal reasons and will generally do so within detailed care records systems. As is currently the case, patients will not be able to specify how or where local detailed records are held, though the new systems will enable patients to place restrictions on how these records may be shared or accessed.
	In some circumstances it may be possible for clinicians to agree to keeping records outside of the detailed care records systems if to do otherwise would cause substantial distress.
	However, some forms of care, for example blood tests and x-rays, will in future automatically generate records within the detailed care records systems, and if care is dependent upon use of these systems there can be no flexibility for those who receive that care.

NHS: Finance

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which primary care trusts are receiving funding below the national capitation formula in each year between 2002-03 and 2006-07; and by what percentage each was below its prescribed capitation amount in each year.

Andy Burnham: holding answer 6 February 2007
	The information has been placed in the Library.

Ocuvite PreserVision

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors were taken into account when deciding to withdraw the availability of Ocuvite PreserVision on prescription.

Caroline Flint: The prescription of Ocuvite PreserVision on the national health service is not prohibited.

Patient Power Review

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 20 July 2006,  Official Report, column 43WS, on the Patient Power Review, when her Department expects the Patient Power Review Group to publish its final report on the communications services offered to hospital patients; for what reasons the report's publication has been delayed from December 2006; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: The review of the charges of the bedside communications services has raised some complex issues. These have resulted in additional deliberation between the Department and the private providers in their attempts to effect a potential solution. This has caused the delay of the report since the due publication date of December 2006.
	The report is due to be published in the near future.

Serco

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the performance of Serco's out-of-hours health care provision  (a) in Cornwall and  (b) across England.

Andy Burnham: Information is not collected centrally on the performance of out-of-hours health care provision.
	Primary care trusts (PCTs) have a responsibility to ensure that they provide, or secure, provision of a high quality, sustainable general practitioner out-of-hours service to meet the needs of their local population.
	Our aim is to ensure that all patients can be assured of high quality, responsive and consistent out-of-hours services wherever they live. National quality requirements have been published which set standards for the delivery of out-of-hours care.
	Where an out-of-hours provider is failing to meet the quality requirements, PCTs as commissioners of the service, and strategic health authorities, must act to support out-of-hours providers to improve their performance.

South West Hertfordshire Acute Hospital Trust

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding she allocated to the external commercial turnaround team sent to the South West Hertfordshire Acute Hospital Trust; from what budget this funding will be drawn; what the remit of the team is; and by what criteria she will judge its success.

Andy Burnham: Commercial turnaround at West Hertfordshire Acute Hospital Trust is funded locally and the Department does not routinely collect information on these costs. The remit and success criteria are also locally set and managed.

Written Questions: Administrative Delays

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects to answer question 111637, on  Clostridium difficile in the Eastern Region, tabled by the hon. Member for Peterborough on 23 January.

Ivan Lewis: A reply has been given today.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Adoption Agencies: Catholic Church

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much from public funds was paid to Catholic adoption agencies in each year since 1997.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 1 February 2007
	Information on the amount of funding paid by local authorities to voluntary adoption agencies is not collected centrally.
	Government grants amounting to 120,000 and 127,551 have been paid to the St. Francis' Children's Society and the Catholic Children's Society (Nottingham) respectively, during the period since 1997. In both cases, the grant periods ended before 2006-07. In addition, small sums will have been paid to representatives of voluntary adoption agencies, in the form of travel and subsistence expenses, for their involvement in Government working parties.

A-level: Hendon

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the A and AS-level results were in Hendon in  (a) 1997 and  (b) 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The average point score per candidate and per examination entry for 16 to 18-year-old A-level (or equivalent) candidates in maintained mainstream schools and academies in Hendon is given as follows:
	
		
			   Average point score 
			   Per candidate  Per examination entry 
			  1997   
			 Hendon 15.8 5.4 
			 England 17.3 5.3 
			
			  2006   
			 Hendon 735.1 213.5 
			 England 721.5 206.2 
		
	
	This information is consistent with that published in the school and college achievement and attainment tables (formerly performance tables) in 1997 and in 2006. The points tariff used for each of these years is different and the range of qualifications that contribute to the average point score indicators is also different.
	The points awarded for A-level grades in 1997 and 2006 are given as follows:
	
		
			  Grade  1997  2006 
			 A 10 270 
			 B 8 240 
			 C 6 210 
			 D 4 180 
			 E 2 150 
		
	
	In 1997, only GCE A-levels and AS examinations contributed to the average point scores published in the school and college achievement and attainment tables. In 2006, many more level 3 qualifications have been included, details of which are available at:
	http://www.dfes.gov.uk/performancetables/16to18_06/d3.shtml

Apprenticeships

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of apprenticeships in  (a) England,  (b) each region and  (c) each sector have no formal employer involvement.

Jim Knight: A significant period of employment must be a feature of the training in any successful apprenticeship. Apprenticeship delivery is flexible and some apprentices may work towards qualifications in college before moving to an employer place; however, all apprenticeships have formal employer involvement at some stage.

Building Schools for the Future

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how much funding from the Building Schools for the Future programme has been allocated to  (a) secondary and  (b) primary schools in the last two years;
	(2)  what funding has been allocated to the Buildings Schools for the Future programme since it was established;
	(3)  how many schools have received funding from the Building Schools for the Future programme, broken down by county.

Jim Knight: Building Schools for the Future is designed to bring about transformational change across the secondary schools' estate over time and will be rolled out over 15 waves, subject to future spending decisions. When local authorities join the programme they, in conjunction with their schools and other local partners, are required to develop a Strategy for Change to ensure their plans support the drive for educational improvement. The first three waves of the programme involve 372 schools and is being supported by 6.5 billion of capital resources from the current spending review period of 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08. The following table shows the number of schools currently in the programme, broken down by local authority area.
	
		
			  Local authority  Number of schools 
			 Bradford 10 
			 Barnsley 13 
			 Birmingham 12 
			 Bristol 4 
			 Derbyshire 7 
			 Durham 8 
			 Gateshead 2 
			 Greenwich 5 
			 Hackney 10 
			 Haringey 8 
			 Islington 12 
			 Kent 12 
			 Kingston upon Hull 23 
			 Knowsley 10 
			 Lambeth 5 
			 Lancashire 11 
			 Leeds 14 
			 Leicester 19 
			 Lewisham 12 
			 Liverpool 11 
			 Luton 8 
			 Manchester 16 
			 Middlesbrough 8 
			 North Lincolnshire 11 
			 Newcastle 10 
			 Newham 16 
			 Nottingham 8 
			 Salford 12 
			 Sandwell 7 
			 Sheffield 10 
			 Solihull 5 
			 Southwark 10 
			 South Tyneside 12 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 24 
			 Sunderland 8 
			 Tameside 14 
			 Tower Hamlets 8 
			 Waltham Forest 7 
			 Westminster 10 
		
	
	You will be aware that the Government committed to provide a new secondary school in each local authority in the country by 2011. This will be through Building Schools for the Future, the Academy programme or the BSF One School Pathfinder programme. Over 1 billion has been allocated to the 38 authorities within the one school pathfinder element of the BSF programme. The following authorities have been allocated funding to rebuild one of its schools with the highest level of building need: Barnet, Bath and North East Somerset, Bexley, Bracknell Forest, Bromley, Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, East Sussex, Gloucestershire, Harrow, Herefordshire, Isle of Wight, Kingston upon Thames, Leicestershire, North Somerset, North Yorkshire, Plymouth, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Rutland, Sefton, Shropshire, South Gloucestershire, Southend on Sea, Sutton, Torbay, Trafford, Warrington, West Berkshire, West Sussex, Wigan, Wiltshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wirral, Wokingham, York.
	Primary schools are not covered by Building Schools for the Future. However we are taking a similarly transformational approach to capital investment for the primary sector. Funding for the pathfinder phase of the Primary Capital programme will commence in 2008-09 with 150 million of additional funding being shared among 23 regional pathfinders. The programme will be rolled out nationally from 2009-10 underpinned by 500 million of additional investment. Subject to future government spending decisions, we anticipate that the additional investment will continue at that level for at least 15 years.
	In addition to our strategic programmes, all local authorities and schools receive formulaic capital support for their local priorities, which currently totals more than 2 billion a year.

Care Services

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of privately run residential care homes in each local authority area for children in care meet 90 per cent. or more of the national minimum standards.

Parmjit Dhanda: This question is a matter for CSCI and their Chief Inspector Paul Snell has written to my hon. Friend with the information requested. A copy of the response has been placed in the House Library.
	 Letter from Paul Snell, dated 22 January 2007:
	The Secretary of State for Education and Skills has asked me as the Chief Inspector of the Commission for Social Care Inspection to respond to your Parliamentary question as set out below:
	To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what proportion of privately run residential care homes in each local authority area for children in care meet 90% or more of the national minimum standards. (113415)
	The proportion of privately run residential care homes in each local authority for children in care which meet 90 per cent or more of the National Minimum Standards (NMS) is 38%, or 420 out of a total of 1091 homes. These numbers represent the figures collected by the Commission for Social Care Inspection over the most recent inspection year, from 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006. Attached is an appendix giving the full breakdown of these figures.
	If you require any further assistance on this question please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office (tel. 020 7979 2016, email Diane.Collins@csci.gsi.gov.uk).
	With kind regards.

Child Protection

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will ask local authorities to take steps to identify child protection cases to which they have been party since 1997 where requests for medical records were made by any party to the case of Gene Morrison, and to report to him any such cases.

Parmjit Dhanda: Child protection cases are the responsibility of local authorities and the Government would not usually intervene in these matters.

Corporate Parenting Responsibilities

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what provision is made to ensure that staff in  (a) district councils,  (b) other local authorities,  (c) primary care trusts,  (d) other NHS bodies and  (e) learning and skills councils have a full understanding of their corporate parenting responsibilities.

Parmjit Dhanda: The duties set out in Section 10 of the Children Act 2004 require that local authorities must take a lead in making arrangements to promote co-operation between relevant partners, including those agencies referred to in this question, whose work impacts on children, including those that are looked after, within the local area. The relevant partners, must co-operate with the authority in the making of such arrangements and will wish to help shape them so as to ensure that co-operation leads to sound service delivery promoting improved outcomes for children. The details as to how these arrangements will operate at local level to improve outcomes for children in the authority's care will need to be developed between individual children's services authorities and their partners.
	As part of our Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme, Statutory guidance on inter-agency co-operation to improve the wellbeing of children: children's trusts, was issued in 2005. A copy is available in the House Library.

Curriculum: Assessments

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of 14 year old  (a) boys and  (b) girls reached level 5 in the national curriculum tests in (i) English, (ii) mathematics and (iii) science in each year since 2002.

Jim Knight: The requested information is as follows:
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			  Boys  
			 English 59 62 64 67 65 
			 Mathematics 67 70 72 73 76 
			 Science 67 68 65 69 71 
			   
			  Girls  
			 English 76 76 78 81 80 
			 Mathematics 68 72 74 74 77 
			 Science 67 69 67 70 73 
			   
			  All pupils  
			 English 67 69 71 74 72 
			 Mathematics 67 71 73 74 77 
			 Science 67 68 66 70 72

Curriculum: Financial Education

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will bring forward proposals to introduce the compulsory study of financial literacy in the national curriculum; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: We have no current plans to do so. Personal finance education is already delivered through a range of subjects across the school curriculum, including Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), Mathematics, Business Studies, Careers and Enterprise Education and through Citizenship Education, which is compulsory for all 11 to 16-year-olds. We are also introducing functional mathematics to the maths GCSE from 2010, which will ensure that all pupils who achieve a grade C or above will have mastered the basics, including elements of financial capability.
	In addition, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is currently leading a review of the secondary curriculum. New draft programmes of study were published on 5 February 2007, in which financial education is given a more secure place within PSHE through a discrete 'economic well-being' strand. The programmes of study for key stage 4 say that students should be able to
	apply knowledge and understanding of financial matters across a range of contexts; manage their money; understand risk and reward, and how money can make money, for example, through savings, investment and trade; and explain a range of financial terms.

Curriculum: PSHE

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what factors were taken into account when deciding whether to include personal, social and health education as a statutory part of the National Curriculum.

Jim Knight: There has been ongoing consideration of the status of personal, social and health education (PSHE) since the introduction of the National Curriculum. In considering the statutory position of PSHE, we have taken a number of factors into account. Firstly, many aspects of PSHE (sex education, drug education and careers education) already have a statutory basis. Secondly, further statutory requirements would run counter to the overall aim of current curriculum reform to give schools greater flexibilities to plan and deliver the school curriculum. Thirdly, legislation would not necessarily lead to improvements in teaching and learning in PSHE.
	The Department's priority for PSHE is to improve the effectiveness of what is taught by providing clear guidance, supporting high quality continuing professional development for teachers, identifying and disseminating good practice, and helping schools to meet the standards for PSHE required by the National Healthy Schools Programme. We are also supporting the new PSHE Subject Association which will provide advice, guidance and support to those delivering PSHE.

Curriculum: Reform

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority consultation on the curriculum review is being conducted in line with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Consultation; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) are conducting the secondary curriculum review based on the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Consultation, although as a non-departmental public body they are not required to do so.

Curriculum: Surveys

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  which organisations will be responsible for providing the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority with analysis and evaluation of responses to the Secondary Curriculum Review questionnaires hosted by  (a) Ipsos MORI and  (b) surveymonkey.com;
	(2)  for what reason the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority chose to have separate online surveys for the revised programmes of study and supporting materials as part of the consultation on the Secondary Curriculum Review;
	(3)  on what basis the Qualifications Curriculum Authority chose  (a) Ipsos MORI and  (b) surveymonkey.com to host questionnaires as part of the consultation on the Secondary Curriculum Review.

Jim Knight: The statutory consultation required for proposed changes to the statutory programmes of study and level descriptions at Key Stages 3 and 4 is taking place from 5 February to 30 April. The contract for this consultation was put out to tender by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and Ipsos Mori was awarded the contract. It is a reputable company and the service offered represented value for money. Ipsos Mori will analyse the responses and the results will inform QCA's formal advice to the Secretary of State about proposed changes to the programmes of study and level descriptions.
	There is no statutory requirement to consult on the supporting materials which accompany the proposed programmes of study. QCA wishes to invite separate comment on these materials, through a different questionnaire using an IT facility called surveymonkey. The analysis of these comments is about to be put out for tender. The analysis will inform any development of the supporting materials.

Danley Middle School

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what price per acre Kent county council obtained for the sale of the redundant land at Danley Middle School.

Jim Knight: holding answer 2 February 2007
	The Department has no record of the sale of any redundant land at Danley Middle School.

Departmental Staff

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what percentage of staff employed in his Department were registered disabled in each year since 2001.

Parmjit Dhanda: Data on the disabled status of staff employed in the civil service, including the Department for Education and Skills, for the years requested are available on the civil service website. The latest available data are as at April 2005 and these, together with previous years' data, can be found at the following website addresses:
	http//www.civilservice.gov.uk/management/statistics/publications/xls/report_2005/table_p.xls for data as at April 2005;
	http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management/statistics/publications/xls/disability_apr04_4nov04.xls for data as at April 2004; and
	http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management/statistics/archive/index.asp
	for previous reporting periods.
	Declaration of a disability is voluntary.

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department is taking to implement the gender equality duty due to come into force on 6 April.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Department for Education and Skills is taking steps to integrate gender equality into all its policies and programmes, in line with the gender duty and is committed to eliminating unfair discrimination on the grounds of gender.
	We have already started to engage with our policy and programme colleagues with awareness seminars on the gender duty led by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and a:gender, the civil service wide network for transsexual people.
	The gender equality scheme, which has to be published by the end of April 2007, will combine a DfES narrative on our overall planning as an employer and sector leader, alongside policy and programme action plans. Those policies and programmes will have the gender duty in mind when promoting gender equality and ensuring there is no discrimination. The gender equality scheme will then be reviewed every three years as a whole. The action plans will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department has taken to implement the Race Equality Duty since 2000.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Department for Education and Skills has taken steps to implement the race equality duty in everything we do. Action on race equality has been and will continue to be a priority within our policies and programmes. We have engaged with all policy and function areas of the DfES to ensure that all are aware of the duty to promote race equality, and also to ensure that new and existing policies are impact assessed for race equality.
	Since 2000 the Department has taken a close look at its policies and programmes and after a process of impact assessment and consultation, produced its first race equality scheme in 2002. The Department has since updated its race equality scheme overall after three years, in 2005. We have also updated the action plans every year.
	We also expect our partners and non-Departmental public bodies (NDPBs) to work within the same ethos, although not all of those organisations have a duty to produce a race equality scheme. We are currently commissioning our policy and programme colleagues for the 2007 update of the action plans. The 2007 version of that scheme will be published by the end of May 2007.
	We expect to streamline our race equality schemes within a single equality scheme, in line with the thinking of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, as soon as possible.

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department  (a) has taken and  (b) plans to take to ensure that it and related bodies are in compliance with the gender equality duty in the Equality Act 2006 by the April 2007 deadline.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Department for Education and Skills is taking steps to integrate gender equality into all its policies and programmes, in line with the gender duty and is committed to eliminating unfair discrimination on the grounds of gender.
	We have already started to engage with our policy and programme colleagues with awareness sessions on the gender duty led by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and a:gender, the civil service wide network for transsexual people. We are also inviting academic and sector specialists to help us steer our production of the Gender Equality Scheme (GES).
	The GES, which has to be published by the end of April 2007, will combine a DfES narrative on our overall planning as an employer and sector leader, alongside policy and programme action plans. Those policies and programmes will have the gender duty in mind when promoting gender equality and ensuring there is no discrimination. The GES will then be then be reviewed every three years as a whole. The action plans will be reviewed on an annual basis. We also plan to hold sessions for our partner organisations and non departmental public bodies (NDPBs).

Departments: Freedom of Information

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on how many occasions special advisers have been consulted in replying to Freedom of Information requests to his Department; and what his Department's policy is on the role of special advisers in the answering of Freedom of Information requests.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Department for Education and Skills does not keep such records. Special advisers carry out their duties in accordance with the requirements of the 'Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.'

Departments: Furniture

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many items of furniture were  (a) lost and  (b) stolen from his Department in each year since 1997; and what the value was of those items in each year.

Parmjit Dhanda: There is no record of the Department having lost furniture or having furniture stolen during the period from 1997 to date.

Departments: Nobel Prize

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many state-funded programmes within his Department's responsibilities have had members of staff awarded Nobel prizes in the last 30 years.

Parmjit Dhanda: The information is not collected centrally.

Departments: Training

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will deposit in the Library a list of courses that are made available to members of his Department as part of the Investors in People programme.

Phil Hope: Within the Department, the prime responsibility for developing and coaching staff lies with line managers, and most people's learning takes place on the job. Access to learning and development (which includes events, online learning, books, coaching and mentoring) is agreed between staff and line managers.
	In addition, the Department's internal Human Resources learning and development unit offers corporate skills development to meet wider business needs.
	The Department does not provide courses specifically to support Investors in People but I will write to the hon. Member with details of wider corporate skills and development provided by the Department's learning and development unit.

Education

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his Department's definition is of full-time education.

Jim Knight: There is no legal definition of full-time education contained in the various Education Acts in relation to either maintained or independent schools. In providing full-time education to pupils, maintained schools should consider DfES Circular 7/90 and Guidance 00432/2003 as to the number of hours recommended for pupils at each key stage. Neither publication imposes a statutory requirement on schools, they provide guidance only. Circular 7/90 establishes a general guide to good practice on lesson times. The suggested weekly lesson times are as follows:
	
		
			  Age  Hours 
			 5-7 21 
			 8-11 23.5 
			 12-14 24 
			 14-16 25 
		
	
	We encourage independent schools to consider the guidance for maintained schools, but recognise that patterns of education in the independent sector vary widely and that a more flexible approach may be needed.
	For further education purposes, learners classified for statistical purposes as full-time are defined as those enrolled on programmes of at least 450 guided learning hours per year, or for at least 150 guided learning hours per tri-annual period or more than 16 guided learning hours per week for shorter courses.
	For the higher education sector, the Higher Education Statistics Agency definition is:
	The Funding Councils have agreed that a common definition of full-time is that the years of programme of study must involve a minimum of 24 weeks study.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the impact of the education maintenance allowance scheme in encouraging 16 to 18 year olds to stay on in further education.

Phil Hope: The June 2006 participation figures(1) showed increases over the past two years of 4.5 percentage points for 16 year olds and 3.4 percentage points for 17 year olds, participating in full-time education This highlighted that the total number of 16-18 year olds in education was at the highest ever level. Whilst it is not possible to say that all of the increase was due to education maintenance allowance (EMA), this was one of the most important initiatives aimed at increasing participation.
	EMA has been particularly effective in engaging some of our most vulnerable young people such as teenage parents and is now helping those who for no fault of their own are estranged from their families. EMA has its biggest impact where it is most needed among those from less well off households, those from an ethnic minority background and among boys, closing the gender gap.
	The national EMA scheme was rolled out to 16 year olds in the 2004-05 academic year. The phased roll-out out meant it wasn't fully available nationally to the 16-18 cohort until 2006-07 academic year.
	(1 )SFR (June 2006), Participation in Education. Training and Employment by 16-18 year olds in England 2004 and 2005 DfES, SFR 21/2006

Education: Assessments

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how he will measure the quality of outcomes for providers of courses to learners that are not geared towards gaining a qualification within the Framework for Excellence;
	(2)  whether it will be possible for all providers within the Learning and Skills sector to achieve excellence when measured against the standards to be set out in the Framework for Excellence; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The Framework for Excellence (FfE) is still in its development phase. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC), partnered by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), the Quality Improvement Agency (QIA) and the Department for Education and Skills are working closely with the FE sector to develop the framework. Through consultation, piloting, testing and trialling they will continue to explore a range of options to help decide the best and most appropriate measures to assess quality of outcomesincluding those for non-accredited learning.
	One of the underpinning principles of the framework is that it will use absolute rather than relative success measures. This means that all providers can aspire to, and achieve, an excellent standard measured against set criteria rather than achieving excellence relative to others. So it will be theoretically possible for all LSC-funded providers to achieve excellence under the framework.
	The LSC are shortly due to publish a document providing more detail of its plans to develop the framework. I will arrange for a copy to be placed in the House Library as soon as it is available.

Education: Languages

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment his Department has made of the number of hours study required to achieve  (a) conversational and  (b) newspaper reading ability in Mandarin; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The Department has not made such an assessment. The Key Stage 3 programme of study for modern foreign languages does not prescribe the amount of time which should be given to individual language skills. It is for schools to choose how they organise their curriculum to include the programme of study for modern foreign languages. However, the current programme of study does set out the attainment targets for the knowledge, skills and understanding that pupils of different abilities and maturities are expected to reach by the end of Key Stage 3 for each skill. The programme of study also sets out statutory modifications to the level descriptors for 'listening and responding', 'reading and responding', and 'writing' for pupils studying Mandarin and Cantonese.

Education: Sports

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much funding was provided by  (a) his Department and  (b) non-departmental bodies funded by his Department for sports colleges in each year since 1997.

Jim Knight: Funding for Sports Colleges from the Department for Education and Skills for each year since 1997 was as follows:
	
		
			   Amount () 
			 1997-98 1,992,405 
			 1998-99 3,683,590 
			 1999-2000 4,821,503 
			 2000-01 9,526,656 
			 2001-02 14,640,903 
			 2002-03 23,428,484 
			 2003-04 32,340,585 
			 2004-05 39,555,502 
			 2005-06 46,783,617 
			 2006-07 47,790,745 
		
	
	No non-departmental bodies funded by the Department provide funds for Sports Colleges.

Education: Standards

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of  (a) all pupils and  (b) pupils receiving free school meals achieved level five in mathematics, English and science combined at key stage three in each year since 1997.

Jim Knight: The requested information is as follows:
	The table shows the percentage of pupils at maintained schools who have achieved level five or above in English, mathematics and science grouped as shown.
	
		
			  Percentage 
			  2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 
			 All pupils 54 58 59 61 63 
			 Pupils eligible for free school meals 27 30 31 34 37 
			  Note: Pupil characteristics data, including FSM eligibility, were collected at a pupil level for the first time in 2002. Prior to 2002 this information was collected at an aggregated school level and hence cannot be linked to individual level attainment data. 
		
	
	Schools with highest proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals are continuing to close the attainment gap. Since 1998, schools where more than half of pupils are eligible for free school meals have improved by 25 percentage points in English compared with a nine percentage point improvement for schools with fewer than one in 10 pupils who are eligible for free school meals.

Education: Standards

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of  (a) all pupils and  (b) pupils receiving free school meals achieved level four in reading, writing and arithmetic combined at Key Stage two in each year since 1997.

Jim Knight: The requested information is in the following table.
	The following table shows the percentage of pupils at maintained schools who have achieved Level 4 or above in reading, writing and mathematics grouped as shown.
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   All pupils  Pupils eligible for free school meals 
			 2002 53 32 
			 2003 53 32 
			 2004 56 35 
			 2005 56 35 
			 2006 59 38 
			  Note: Pupil characteristics data, including FSM eligibility, were collected at a pupil level for the first time in 2002. Prior to 2002 this information was collected at an aggregated school level and hence cannot be linked to individual level attainment data 
		
	
	Schools with highest proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals are continuing to close the attainment gap. Since 1997, schools where more than half of pupils are eligible for free school meals have improved by 22 percentage points in English compared with a 10 percentage point improvement for schools with fewer than 1 in 10 pupils who are eligible for free school meals. A large proportion have benefited from receiving targeted support through the Primary National Strategy's Intensifying Support Programme for low attaining schools. Schools in the programme improved their results at double the rate of other primary schools by nearly 2 percentage points in English and over 3 percentage points in mathematics.

eLearning Credits

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools have purchased resources from Micro Librarian Services Ltd. using eLearning credits.

Jim Knight: From supplier returns to the British Educational Communications Technology Agency between November 2005 and December 2006, 1,618 schools have purchased resources from Micro Librarian Services Ltd.

eLearning Credits

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many of the resources available through the eLearning credits scheme enable schools to collect biometric data on their pupils.

Jim Knight: The Department does not hold specific information on the detailed nature of resources purchased with eLearning credits.
	DfES publishes guidelines which cover the criteria against which software products will be judged to be eligible for certification and inclusion in the curriculum online catalogue, and therefore eligible for eLCs. The guidelines are at:
	http://www.curriculumonline.gov.uk/SupplierCentre/compliance.htm

Foster Care: Safety

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will review the guidance on how many babies each foster  (a) carer and  (b) household is permitted to look after with a view to making an assessment of whether the safety of such infants is at increased risk in foster households caring for multiple infants and babies.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Children Act 1989 does not allow a carer to foster more than three children unless the children concerned are siblings or an exemption has been made by the local authority in whose area the carer lives. This usual fostering limit applies regardless of the child's age. Volume 3 of the statutory guidance which accompanies the Act highlights the number of children who may be placed as an important factor in placement decisions. The guidance stresses the importance of considering the interests of each child, in cases where more than one child is to be placed, as well as the needs of the carer's own children.
	The Government are committed to reviewing the statutory guidance and this review will need to take account of issues arising from the recent Care Matters Green Paper. However, detailed decisions about the content of the revised guidance have not yet been taken.

Free School Meals

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what proportion of pupils in  (a) rural and  (b) non-rural areas (i) qualify for and (ii) receive free school meals; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools( 1) : school meal arrangements by schools' urban/rural classification2,  as at January 2006, England 
			   Maintained nursery and primary schools  Maintained secondary schools 
			   Urban( 3)  Rural( 4)  Total  Urban( 3)  Rural( 4)  Total 
			 Number of pupils on roll(5) 3,459,080 728,540 4,187,630 2,864,410 445,310 3,309,720 
			 Number of pupils who took a free school meal on the census day 516,460 39,720 556,180 306,810 21,940 328,750 
			 Percentage of pupils who took a free school meal on the census day 14.9 5.5 13.3 10.7 4.9 9.9 
			 Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals 622,740 47,600 670,340 418,920 29,760 448,680 
			 Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals 18.0 6.5 16.0 14.6 6.7 13.6 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Schools have been classified as being in either an urban or rural area by matching their school postcode to the Rural and Urban Area Classification 2004 indicator held within the May 2006 National Statistics Postcode Directory. Areas are classified as urban or rural at the Census Output Area (COA) level, and postcodes are classified according to the status of the COA in which they are located. (3) Includes schools in Urban 10k (sparse and less sparse) classifications. (4) Includes schools in the following classifications: Hamlet and Isolated Dwelling (sparse and less sparse), Town and Fringe (sparse and less sparse), Village (sparse and less sparse). (5) Includes pupils with sole and dual (main) registration. Also includes boarding pupils.  Note: Pupil numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. There may be discrepancies between the sum of constituent items and totals as shown.  Source: Pupil numbers by school meal arrangementsSchools' Census. Urban/Rural Classificationderived from the Urban/Rural Classification 2004. Produced in conjunction with The Countryside Agency, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Office of National Statistics and Welsh Assembly Government.

GCSEs

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of 15-year-olds took both history and geography at GCSE in schools in the independent sector in each year since 1996.

Jim Knight: The following table shows the percentage of 15-year-old pupils(1) in independent schools attempting a GCSE at both history and geography in each year since 1996.
	
		
			  15-year-old pupils( 1)  entered for GCSE geography and history 
			   Percentage 
			 1996 25.7 
			 1997 24.5 
			 1998 23.8 
			 1999 21.7 
			 2000 21.0 
			 2001 21.1 
			 2002 21.3 
			 2003 20.0 
			 2004 19.9 
			 2005 20.3 
			 2006(2) 19.7 
			 (1) Pupils aged 15 at the start of the academic year i.e. 31 August. (2) Data for 2006 are revised. Data for all other years are final.

GCSEs

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what proportion of students achieved five or more GCSEs at A*-C including English, mathematics, science and a modern language in each school in West Sussex in 2006;
	(2)  if he will list the top 200 maintained schools in terms of the proportion of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at A*-C including English, mathematics, science and a modern foreign language in 2006.

Jim Knight: The following table shows the proportion of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4(1) achieving five or more GCSEs or equivalents at grades A*-C including English, mathematics, science and a modern foreign language for each school in West Sussex local authority in 2006.
	(1) Pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 in the 2005/06 academic year.
	
		
			  Pupils achieving five or more GCSEs or equivalents at grades A*-C including English, mathematics, science and a modern foreign language 
			  Name  Institution type( 1)  Total pupils  Percentage 
			 Abbotsford Community Special School CYS 7 0.0 
			 Angmering School, The CY 256 17.6 
			 Ardingly College IND 85 76.5 
			 Ashton Park School IND 7 0.0 
			 Bishop Luffa Church of England School, Chichester VA 217 53.9 
			 Bognor Regis Community College(2) CY 308 11.4 
			 Boundstone Community College CY 251 6.0 
			 Bourne Community College CY 141 14.9 
			 Burgess Hill School for Girls IND 58 98.3 
			 Chatsmore Catholic High School VA 139 17.3 
			 Chichester High School for Boys CY 235 14.5 
			 Chichester High School for Girls CY 246 36.6 
			 Christ's Hospital IND 120 90.8 
			 Cornfield School, Littlehampton(2) CYS 11 0.0 
			 Court Meadow School, Cuckfield CYS 7 0.0 
			 Davison Church of England High School for Girls, Worthing VC 272 46.7 
			 Downlands Community School CY 189 40.2 
			 Durrington High School CY 357 12.3 
			 Education Centre, The IND 17 0.0 
			 Farlington School IND 62 87.1 
			 Farney Close School INDSS 14 0.0 
			 Felpham Community College(2) CY 241 30.3 
			 Fordwater School, Chichester CYS 7 0.0 
			 Forest School CY 149 37.6 
			 Gleniffer House Residential School IND (3) (3) 
			 Hazelwick School CY 382 28.0 
			 Hillcrest Slinfold IND (3) (3) 
			 Holy Trinity CofE Secondary School, Crawley VA 202 30.2 
			 Hurstpierpoint College IND 83 83.1 
			 Ifield Community College CY 158 12.7 
			 Imberhorne School CY 266 53.8 
			 King's Manor Community College CY 264 10.2 
			 Lancing College IND 91 81.3 
			 Lavant House IND 20 50.0 
			 Littlehampton Community School, The(2) CY 357 10.9 
			 Manhood Community College CY 99 6.1 
			 Manor Green College CYS 22 0.0 
			 Midhurst Grammar School VC 238 26.1 
			 Millais School CY 298 56.7 
			 Muntham House School NMSS 8 0.0 
			 Newick House School CYS 27 0.0 
			 Oakgrove College CYS 53 1.9 
			 Oakmeeds Community College CY 220 29.1 
			 Oathall Community College CY 265 34.7 
			 Our Lady of Sion School IND 58 86.2 
			 Philpots Manor School INDSS 5 0.0 
			 Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School, Horsham CYS 6 0.0 
			 Rikkyo School-in-England IND 21 0.0 
			 Sackville School CY 260 33.8 
			 Seaford College IND 74 43.2 
			 Shoreham College IND 48 50.0 
			 Slindon College IND 22 0.0 
			 Springboard Education IND (3) (3) 
			 St. Andrew's CofE High School for Boys VA 174 14.9 
			 St. Anthony's School CYS 27 0.0 
			 St. Paul's Catholic College VA 127 66.9 
			 St. Philip Howard Catholic High School, The VA 147 47.6 
			 St. Wilfrid's Catholic Comprehensive School, Crawley VA 159 22.0 
			 Steyning Grammar School VC 385 28.6 
			 Strides Learning Support Centre IND (3) (3) 
			 Tanbridge House School CY 288 37.5 
			 Thomas Bennett Community College CY 258 10.1 
			 Towers Convent School, The IND 26 100.0 
			 Warden Park School CY 291 52.9 
			 Weald School, The CY 220 42.7 
			 Westergate Community School CY 141 12.1 
			 Worth School IND 69 68.1 
			 Worthing High School CY 269 21.6 
			 (1) CY = Community School, CYS = Community Special School, IND = Independent School, INDSS = Independent Special School, NMSS = Non-maintained Special School, VA = Voluntary Aided Schools, VC = Voluntary Controlled School. (2) School located within Bognor Regis and Littlehampton constituency. (3) Figures are suppressed due to small numbers. 
		
	
	The top 200 maintained schools expressed as a percentage of pupils achieving the above threshold is placed in the House of Commons Library.

GCSEs

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills for what proportion of pupils the best eight results at GCSE and equivalent included English and mathematics.

Jim Knight: Revised 2006 figures show that 92.7 per cent. of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 included English and mathematics GCSE in their best eight results at GCSE and equivalent. These figures are based on the effective GCSE and equivalent points scores that adjust the points score of a qualification to its grade equivalent if it were deemed the size of one full GCSE.

GCSEs

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what average percentage of students gained at least five GCSE grades A* to C for schools with mobility indexes  (a) between 0 to 5 per cent.,  (b) between six to 10 per cent.,  (c) between 11 to 15 per cent. and  (d) above 15 per cent. in each year of the last five years.

Jim Knight: The Department for Education and Skills does not hold the information for school mobility indexes as described in the question.

Higher Education: Barnet

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which schools have been designated as  (a) language colleges and  (b) business and enterprise colleges in Barnet.

Jim Knight: The following table shows the names of the three specialist business and enterprise colleges and the two specialist language colleges in Barnet.
	
		
			  School name  LA name  Main specialism  Second specialism 
			 Copthall School Barnet B and E Language 
			 Finchley Catholic High School Barnet B and E  
			 Hasmonean High School Barnet B and E  
			 Hendon School Barnet Language  
			 St. Michael's Catholic Grammar School Barnet Language

Higher Education: Race Relations

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether guidance on good campus relations has been issued to universities, as referred to in the answer of 24 October 2006,  Official Report, columns 1758-59W, on Islamist extremists (monitoring).

Bill Rammell: holding answer 8 February 2007
	The guidance was published on 17 November 2006. It provides university vice-chancellors and principals of FE colleges who provide higher education with a practical tool to assist them in working with students and staff to increase community cohesion and tackle violent extremism on campus.

Higher Education: Social Class

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of individuals who entered higher education came from each social class in each year since 2002.

Bill Rammell: The latest available information for full-time students is given in the following table. The figures are taken from data collected by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) which are limited to students who apply to full-time undergraduate courses via the UCAS application system. The figures do not therefore cover part-time students or those full-time students who apply directly to higher education institutions.
	The latest figures for acceptances to full-time undergraduate courses from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show that the percentage of acceptances from lower socio-economic groups has not fallen between 2004/05 and 2006/07.
	
		
			  UK domiciled accepted applicants to full-time undergraduate courses by the National Statistics: Socio-Economic Classification for years of entry 2002-05, UK higher education institutions 
			   Year of entry 
			  Socio-Economic Classification  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			  Number:  
			 1. Higher Managerial and Professional Occupations 61,419 59,472 59,679 59,670 57,010 
			 2. Lower Managerial and Professional Occupations 83,476 83,113 84,628 87,107 79,777 
			 3. Intermediate Occupations 42,112 40,576 40,790 42,222 37,190 
			 4. Small Employers and Own Account Workers 20,056 19,992 19,881 20,668 19,771 
			 5. Lower Supervisory and Technical Occupations 12,830 13,457 13,114 13,454 12,258 
			 6. Semi-routine Occupations 34,647 35,254 35,516 38,866 34,949 
			 7. Routine Occupations 15,855 15,183 15,199 16,062 15,267 
			 Total Known 270,395 267,047 268,807 278,049 256,222 
			 8. Unknown 61,330 66,895 65,488 82,195 89,342 
			 Total 331,725 333,942 334,295 360,244 345,564 
			  Proportion( 1)  from (percentage):  
			 1. Higher Managerial and Professional Occupations 22.7 22.3 22.2 21.5 22.3 
			 2. Lower Managerial and Professional Occupations 30.9 31.1 31.5 31.3 31.1 
			 3. Intermediate Occupations 15.6 15.2 15.2 15.2 14.5 
			 4. Small Employers and Own Account Workers 7.4 7.5 7.4 7.4 7.7 
			 5. Lower Supervisory and Technical Occupations 4.7 5.0 4.9 4.8 4.8 
			 6. Semi-routine Occupations 12.8 13.2 13.2 14.0 13.6 
			 7. Routine Occupations 5.9 5.7 5.7 5.8 6.0 
			 (1 )Based on those students with a known socio-economic classification.   Source:  Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). 
		
	
	The only available information on the social background of part-time students shows the percentage of young and mature entrants who come from low participation neighbourhoods, and the latest figures (plus the comparable figures for full-time students) are shown in the following tables. Low participation neighbourhoods are those areas for which the participation rate is less than two-thirds of the UK average rate. Information for 2005/06 will be available in July 2007.
	
		
			  Percentage of young entrants to undergraduate courses in HEIs in the UK from low participation neighbourhoods 
			  Academic year 
			  Mode of Study  2002/03  2003/04  2004/05 
			 Full-time 13.9 14.6 14.4 
			 Part-time(1) 20.5 18.5 19.2 
			 (1) Who also had no previous higher education qualification. 
		
	
	
		
			  Percentage of mature entrants to full-time undergraduate courses in HEIs in the UK (who also had no previous higher education qualification) from low participation neighbourhoods 
			  Academic year 
			  Mode of Study  2002/03  2003/04  2004/05 
			 Full-time 15.4 16.0 16.2 
			 Part-time 7.6 8.0 8.3 
			  Source:  Performance Indicators in Higher Education, published by HESA. 
		
	
	From 2007/08, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) will collect data on the parental education of both full-time and part-time entrants to undergraduate courses. These data should provide useful information on the social background of these students.

King Fahad School: Textbooks

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will ask Ofsted to examine the detail of textbooks used at the King Fahad school; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: I can confirm that the Department has written to King Fahad Academy asking for copies of the textbooks referred to in the media this week. We will consider what more we should do once we have received a response from the school.

Language Training

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how he plans to ensure that employers and employment agencies contribute to the costs of English for Speakers of Other Languages training for their employees.

Phil Hope: We welcome the support that we have had for seeking employer contributions to the cost of learning through the Race Equality Impact Assessment exercise on the changes to funding for ESOL. Employers and employment agencies clearly have a very significant role to play in funding learning, including English language learning, for their employees.
	We will be taking dialogue forward with our social partners in the skills alliance and with sector skills councils on how we can best secure the right funding balance between individuals, employers and employment agencies and the Government for learning. Proposals for employer contributions to the cost of learning are consistent with messages in the Leitch report on skills about a new balance of responsibilities for funding learning.

Language Training

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was spent by each local learning and skills council on English for Speakers of Other Languages courses in 2005-06.

Bill Rammell: Since 2001 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses for adults have been delivered through the Skills for Life Strategy. Provisional figures show that FE funding for Skills for Life for adults in 2005/06 was almost 511 million. Between 2001 and 2006, around 1.9 million learners benefited from the opportunity to improve their English skills through Skills for Life.
	The amount spent by each local Learning and Skills Council on ESOL is an operational matter and I have asked Mark Haysom, the LSC's Chief Executive, to write to my hon. Friend with this information and a copy of his reply has been placed in the House Library.
	 Letter from Mark Haysom, dated 29 January 2007:
	I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question regarding how much was spent by each local Learning and Skills Council (LSC) on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses in 2005/06.
	Please find the information attached in Table A. This sets out the amount spent by each local LSC for all ESOL provision delivered through Further Education colleges for the academic year 2005/06.
	
		
			  Table A: ESOL funding for 2005/06 by local Learning and Skills Council 
			  Region  LLSC  Funding total 2005/06 () 
			 EE Bedfordshire and Luton 3,791,690 
			  Cambridgeshire 3,492,877 
			  Essex 2,111,704 
			  Hertfordshire 2,613,822 
			  Norfolk 1,450.582 
			  Suffolk 604,614 
			 EE Total  14,065,288 
			
			 EM Derbyshire 1,547,683 
			  Leicestershire 7,807,825 
			  Lincolnshire and Rutland 782,736 
			  Northamptonshire 1,640,823 
			  Nottinghamshire 3,598,129 
			 EM Total  15,377,197 
			
			 GL LondonCentral 38,184,416 
			  LondonEast 37,002,364 
			  LondonNorth 16,367,376 
			  LondonSouth 14,838,901 
			  LondonWest 33,100,693 
			 GL Total  139,493,751 
			
			 NE County Durham 343,638 
			  Northumberland 144,826 
			  Tees Valley 1,679,997 
			  Tyne and Wear 6,107,880 
			 NE Total  8,276,341 
			
			 NW Cheshire and Warrington 2,099,248 
			  Cumbria 462,543 
			  Greater Manchester 18,862,640 
			  Greater Merseyside 4,110,488 
			  Lancashire 3,660,339 
			 NW Total  29,195,259 
			
			 SE Berkshire 5,855,726 
			  Hampshire and Isle of Wight 4,885,756 
			  Kent and Medway 3,290,490 
			  Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire 5,985,950 
			  Surrey 3,647,247 
			  Sussex 7,041,012 
			 SE Total  30,706,182 
			
			 SW Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole 1,688,032 
			  Devon and Cornwall 2,677,081 
			  Gloucestershire 1,009,998 
			  Somerset 708,436 
			  West of England 5,201,213 
			  Wiltshire and Swindon 1,410,714 
			 SW Total  12,695,474 
			
			 WM Birmingham and Solihull 14,494,734 
			  Coventry and Warwickshire 5,455,717 
			  Herefordshire and Worcestershire 1,175,318 
			  Shropshire 542,596 
			  Staffordshire 3,898,288 
			  The Black Country 6,076,449 
			 WM Total  31,643,102 
			
			 YH Humberside 2,721,281 
			  North Yorkshire 860,747 
			  South Yorkshire 5,803,549 
			  West Yorkshire 10,925,633 
			 YH Total  20,311,210 
			 Grand total  301,763,804 
			  Note: SFL ESOL within and outside section 1996/97.

Language Training

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how his Department plans to meet the needs for English for Speakers of Other Languages teaching of  (a) families and  (b) women, including those who are unemployed.

Phil Hope: Since 2001, English for Speakers of Other Languages has been delivered to adults as part of the Skills for Life Strategy. In that period, demand and funding for ESOL has tripled. We will continue to deliver ESOL as a significant strand of the Skills for Life strategy in the future.
	As part of the preparation for implementation of the changes, the Department for Education and Skills is carrying out a Race Equality Impact Assessment. As a result of that process, we are considering what additional support may be included in family literacy, language and numeracy provision to meet the language needs of families and in particular of women who are parents. We are also considering how women can demonstrate an entitlement for free ESOL where they have no access to either benefits documentation of their own or to family funding. These groups are among the highest priority learners for Skills for Life provision.
	In addition, the Department has announced a New Arrivals Excellence Programme to help build capacity in local authorities and schools for those pupils for whom English is an additional language. It is also delivering projects through the Primary and Secondary National Strategies for more advanced bilingual learners.

Language Training

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether his Department has carried out a race impact exercise to assess the effect on minority ethnic groups of restricting access to English for Speakers of Other Languages courses.

Phil Hope: A Race Equality Impact Assessment exercise is being undertaken. The final consultation session took place on 6 February. The exercise has taken views from around 150 people including trade unionists, FE principals, learners and staff from organisations such as the Refugee Council and other local voluntary groups. Contributions to the exercise have been helpful and constructive. The sessions have identified a number of areas for further consideration and a report will be published late in February.

Primary Education: Standards

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills in how many primary schools less than 65 per cent. of pupils achieved level four in  (a) English and  (b) mathematics in (i) 1997, (ii) 1998 and (iii) 2006 in each local education authority.

Jim Knight: The requested information is shown in the following table.
	In 1997 nearly half of primary schools were achieving below this level in mathematics, now fewer than one in five schools are doing so. In English one in eight schools are achieving below 65 per cent. compared with just under half in 1997. Impressive gains have been made towards meeting the KS2 PSA school-level floor target (reduce by 40 per cent. by 2008 the number of schools where less than 65 per cent. of pupils achieve level 4 in English and in maths). There are now 1,785 schools below the target in English and 2,555 schools below in mathematics down from 2,849 in English and 3,570 in maths in 2003 (baseline year).
	
		
			  Number of primary schools with less than 65 per cent. of pupils achieving level 4 or above by local authorities 
			1997( 1)  1998( 1)  2006 
			  LA  LA name  English  Mathematics  English  Mathematics  English  Mathematics 
			 201 City of London 1  
			 202 Camden 23 15 17 20 4 9 
			 203 Greenwich 50 46 46 51 14 18 
			 204 Hackney 45 42 40 40 16 23 
			 205 Hammersmith and Fulham 22 18 19 25 5 9 
			 206 Islington 30 31 31 36 9 19 
			 207 Kensington and Chelsea 12 11 13 17  6 
			 208 Lambeth 41 41 36 49 10 22 
			 209 Lewisham 42 42 37 48 10 16 
			 210 Southwark 54 55 49 55 15 24 
			 211 Tower Hamlets 54 50 49 52 9 9 
			 212 Wandsworth 32 35 28 38 7 14 
			 213 Westminster 16 19 14 20 2 7 
			 301 Barking and Dagenham 25 25 20 26 7 7 
			 302 Barnet 24 28 20 30 6 5 
			 303 Bexley 24 26 25 35 7 9 
			 304 Brent 31 28 29 26 9 15 
			 305 Bromley 17 20 17 23 9 11 
			 306 Croydon 30 35 29 43 5 12 
			 307 Ealing 36 36 28 44 6 17 
			 308 Enfield 29 31 25 34 7 18 
			 309 Haringey 34 33 33 35 10 20 
			 310 Harrow 14 13 8 15 1 2 
			 311 Havering 23 29 16 21 3 4 
			 312 Hillingdon 17 21 18 27 3 8 
			 313 Hounslow 25 26 25 30 5 7 
			 314 Kingston upon Thames 9 11 7 10 3 3 
			 315 Merton 10 10 6 12 4 8 
			 316 Newham 47 46 43 46 11 13 
			 317 Redbridge 18 24 9 19 2 4 
			 318 Richmond upon Thames 6 5 3 7 1 2 
			 319 Sutton 9 12 8 16 4 4 
			 320 Waltham Forest 27 28 22 35 8 13 
			 330 Birmingham 174 181 158 197 54 85 
			 331 Coventry 46 52 48 61 15 22 
			 332 Dudley 44 50 39 49 11 15 
			 333 Sandwell 65 71 61 70 15 32 
			 334 Solihull 17 21 12 17 2 7 
			 335 Walsall 55 63 51 65 13 20 
			 336 Wolverhampton 44 53 47 62 16 21 
			 340 Knowsley 40 35 32 38 13 12 
			 341 Liverpool 84 87 72 97 26 31 
			 342 St. Helens 28 29 21 27 6 5 
			 343 Sefton 30 29 19 35 8 10 
			 344 Wirral 41 46 41 56 15 17 
			 350 Bolton 48 48 50 58 10 15 
			 351 Bury 14 16 15 30 7 7 
			 352 Manchester 97 89 87 108 37 32 
			 353 Oldham 47 47 46 52 14 18 
			 354 Rochdale 45 41 36 49 5 15 
			 355 Salford 47 42 44 55 20 17 
			 356 Stockport 31 33 31 43 6 17 
			 357 Tameside 48 55 44 60 4 10 
			 358 Trafford 28 31 23 30 8 9 
			 359 Wigan 54 53 40 57 13 8 
			 370 Barnsley 48 46 49 51 23 27 
			 371 Doncaster 47 50 54 60 14 18 
			 372 Rotherham 46 44 51 62 18 25 
			 373 Sheffield 76 71 68 82 29 35 
			 380 Bradford 48 56 49 58 41 56 
			 381 Calderdale 38 36 36 43 12 7 
			 382 Kirklees 63 60 57 64 18 22 
			 383 Leeds 99 100 93 109 31 48 
			 384 Wakefield 52 53 49 58 19 14 
			 390 Gateshead 36 33 35 37 6 9 
			 391 Newcastle upon Tyne 44 47 46 50 17 20 
			 392 North Tyneside 22 20 18 24 3 5 
			 393 South Tyneside 26 18 24 28 10 10 
			 394 Sunderland 49 43 41 51 14 14 
			 420 Isles of Scilly  1 
			 800 Bath and North East Somerset 14 16 16 23 5 7 
			 801 Bristol, City of 69 68 60 67 24 26 
			 802 North Somerset 14 19 12 19 3 5 
			 803 South Gloucestershire 28 32 27 40 3 10 
			 805 Hartlepool 15 13 13 19 3 4 
			 806 Middlesbrough 26 25 22 28 11 10 
			 807 Redcar and Cleveland 27 20 21 30 6 7 
			 808 Stockton-on-Tees 28 27 28 32 5 9 
			 810 Kingston upon Hull, City of 64 57 58 60 20 8 
			 811 East Riding of Yorkshire 30 38 34 44 4 11 
			 812 North East Lincolnshire 21 24 26 29 7 9 
			 813 North Lincolnshire 19 20 16 23 4 8 
			 815 North Yorkshire 38 35 52 74 16 14 
			 816 York 15 15 13 20 5 7 
			 820 Bedfordshire 16 22 16 34 3 6 
			 821 Luton 22 26 19 29 4 12 
			 825 Buckinghamshire 32 40 28 43 11 18 
			 826 Milton Keynes 25 31 28 32 13 14 
			 830 Derbyshire 94 102 106 131 25 34 
			 831 Derby 30 26 31 34 16 18 
			 835 Dorset 20 28 21 44 3 9 
			 836 Poole 7 11 6 11 2 3 
			 837 Bournemouth 8 13 9 12 4 5 
			 840 Durham 98 86 88 88 25 25 
			 841 Darlington 8 7 12 14 3 2 
			 845 East Sussex 46 59 42 65 17 22 
			 846 Brighton and Hove 28 29 28 33 5 7 
			 850 Hampshire 91 105 82 135 25 47 
			 851 Portsmouth 20 22 19 22 8 13 
			 852 Southampton 31 32 26 29 9 13 
			 855 Leicestershire 63 63 55 71 13 19 
			 856 Leicester 48 41 50 56 23 27 
			 857 Rutland  1 4 6  2 
			 860 Staffordshire 83 92 81 123 21 40 
			 861 Stoke-on-Trent 52 57 47 57 19 21 
			 865 Wiltshire 43 50 51 62 13 25 
			 866 Swindon 23 25 18 24 7 4 
			 867 Bracknell Forest   7 15  4 
			 868 Windsor and Maidenhead   5 9 3 6 
			 869 West Berkshire 65 90 11 23 3 8 
			 870 Reading   20 24 5 10 
			 871 Slough   9 16 4 4 
			 872 Wokingham   9 13 1 2 
			 873 Cambridgeshire 90 82 53 80 12 16 
			 874 Peterborough   29 38 10 11 
			 875 Cheshire   70 86 20 36 
			 876 Halton 121 131 27 31 10 10 
			 877 Warrington   20 32 6 10 
			 878 Devon   80 115 22 30 
			 879 Plymouth 140 146 35 43 15 13 
			 880 Torbay   14 20 5 6 
			 881 Essex   152 203 36 60 
			 882 Southend-on-Sea 200 195 17 20 3 3 
			 883 Thurrock   23 30 8 13 
			 884 Herefordshire 51 67 16 28 4 9 
			 885 Worcestershire   32 59 6 7 
			 886 Kent 198 213 159 205 69 109 
			 887 Medway   34 46 13 22 
			 888 Lancashire   151 186 48 58 
			 889 Blackburn with Darwen 210 189 31 34 8 12 
			 890 Blackpool   13 20 3 4 
			 891 Nottinghamshire 173 166 111 124 26 37 
			 892 Nottingham   65 72 24 25 
			 893 Shropshire 66 70 29 39 3 12 
			 894 Telford and Wrekin   28 29 5 10 
			 908 Cornwall 60 71 72 89 19 33 
			 909 Cumbria 71 75 70 82 17 27 
			 916 Gloucestershire 49 70 52 90 14 23 
			 919 Hertfordshire 88 119 84 149 21 30 
			 921 Isle of Wight 11 10 11 15 1 3 
			 925 Lincolnshire 73 81 88 117 29 45 
			 926 Norfolk 90 105 96 123 36 45 
			 928 Northamptonshire 45 54 44 65 19 37 
			 929 Northumberland 26 30 22 33 4 5 
			 931 Oxfordshire 59 71 48 75 20 33 
			 933 Somerset 41 55 48 73 15 15 
			 935 Suffolk 52 66 52 73 12 24 
			 936 Surrey 48 63 41 79 13 29 
			 937 Warwickshire 56 64 52 73 13 17 
			 938 West Sussex 53 69 58 79 9 28 
			  Total 6,129 6,471 5,810 7,596 1,785 2,555 
			 (1) Following local government re-organisation in 1997 and 1998, the results for some local authorities (LAs) are not directly comparable with 2006.

Pupil Exclusions

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many permanent and fixed period exclusions took place in schools  (a) with less than 1,000 pupils,  (b) with more than 1,000 pupils and  (c) with more than 1,500 pupils in each year since 1997.

Jim Knight: The available information is given in the tables.
	The first year for which information on fixed period exclusions is available relates to the 2003-04 academic year. Data on exclusions are collected retrospectively. Exclusions data for 2004-05 academic year were published in June 2006. The available information relating to fixed period exclusions has been provided.
	There are quality issues with data on permanent exclusions. The Department has carried out checking exercises in each year to confirm the overall number of permanent exclusions. However, this only confirmed the number of exclusions in each local authority area and did not include information on the actual school (and size of that school) from which the child was excluded. Figures provided in this response relating to permanent exclusions are as reported by schools and are known to be incomplete.
	
		
			  Maintained primary, secondary and special schools( 1) : number of fixed period exclusions by size of schools( 2)  1997-98 to 2004-05, England 
			   Schools with fewer than 1,000 pupils  Schools with 1,000 to 1,500 pupils 
			   Total number of schools  Number of schools with one or more fixed period exclusion( 3)  Total number of fixed period exclusions  Percentage of the school population( 4)  Total number of schools  Number of schools with one or more fixed period exclusion( 3)  Total number of fixed period exclusions  Percentage of the school population( 4) 
			 2003-04 20,703 9,231 188,200 3.33 1,278 1,247 123,890 7.97 
			 2004-05 20,516 9,495 208,660 3.74 1,280 1,240 141,640 9.12 
		
	
	
		
			   Schools with more than 1,500 pupils  All schools 
			   Total number of schools  Number of schools with one or more fixed period exclusion( 3)  Total number of fixed period exclusions  Percentage of the school population( 4)  Total number of schools  Number of schools with one or more fixed period exclusion( 3)  Total number of fixed period exclusions( 3)  Percentage of the school population( 4) 
			 2003-04 268 262 31,320 6.85 22,249 10,891 344,510 4.49 
			 2004-05 280 275 38,250 8.02 22,076 11,139 389,560 5.12 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. Excludes non-maintained special schools. (2) Figures refer to the cases of exclusion rather than the number of pupils excluded, as some pupils were excluded more than once during the year. (3) Exclusions data are collected retrospectively. The 2006 Schools' Census collected information about pupils on roll in January 2006 together with permanent exclusions during the 2004-05 school year. This analysis requires exclusions data to be linked to school population data collected a year earlier. A link could not be established for all schools. There may be discrepancies between the total across all schools and the sum of constituent items broken down by size of school. 4 The number of permanent exclusions by school population band expressed as a percentage of the total number of pupils in schools within the same size band.  Note: Exclusion numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source: Source: Schools' Census and the Termly Exclusions Survey 
		
	
	
		
			  Maintained primary, secondary and all specials schools( 1) : number of permanent exclusions by size of schools( 2,3)  1997-98 to 2004-05, England 
			   Based on exclusions data as reported by schoolsknown under-reporting( 2) 
			   Schools with fewer than 1,000 pupils  Schools with 1,000 to 1,500 pupils 
			   Total number of schools  Number of schools with one or more permanent exclusions( 5)  Total number of permanent exclusions  Percentage of the school population( 6)  Total number of schools  Number of schools with one or more permanent exclusions( 5)  Total number of permanent exclusions  Percentage of the school population( 6) 
			 1997-98 21,938 3,231 8,490 0.14 1,019 813 3,190 0.26 
			 1998-99 21,755 2,862 7,030 0.12 1,075 798 2,850 0.22 
			 1999-2000 21,572 2,570 5,470 0.09 1,140 773 2,320 0.17 
			 2000-01 21,313 2,454 5,390 0.09 1,190 829 2,600 0.18 
			 2001-02 21,141 2,467 5,120 0.09 1,224 898 2,810 0.19 
			 2002-03 20,942 2,229 4,720 0.08 1,245 883 2,660 0.18 
			 2003-04 20,773 2,241 4,990 0.09 1,278 933 3,310 0.21 
			 2004-05 20,589 2,039 4,570 0.08 1,280 912 3,190 0.21 
		
	
	
		
			   Based on exclusions data as reported by schoolsknown under-reporting  Based on figures as confirmed by local authorities in the data checking exercise( 4) 
			   Schools with more than 1,500 pupils  All schools 
			   Total number of schools  Number of schools with one or more permanent exclusions( 5)  Total number of permanent exclusions  Percentage of the school population( 6)  Total number of schools  Number of schools with one or more permanent exclusions( 2,5)  Total number of permanent exclusions( 4)  Percentage of the school population( 6) 
			 1997-98 151 131 570 0.23 23,108 4,197 12,300 0.16 
			 1998-99 173 139 530 0.18 23,003 3,815 10,440 0.14 
			 1999-2000 193 143 480 0.15 22,905 3,506 8,320 0.11 
			 2000-01 222 168 620 0.16 22,725 3,471 9,140 0.12 
			 2001-02 238 180 740 0.18 22,603 3,563 9,540 0.12 
			 2002-03 270 203 730 0.16 22,457 3,327 9,290 0.12 
			 2003-04 268 200 760 0.17 22,319 3,385 9,880 0.13 
			 2004-05 280 217 730 0.15 22,149 3,176 9,440 0.12 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. (2) There are known quality issues with permanent exclusions data relating to 2000/01 onwards. Schools are known to have under-reported the situation. Figures (as indicated) are as reported by schools and are unconfirmed. Caution is recommended when interpreting this output. (3) Figures refer to the cases of exclusion rather than the number of pupils excluded, as some pupils were excluded more than once during the year. (4) The numbers of exclusions in this section (as indicated) have been confirmed by local authorities (LAs) in the data checking exercise. In 2000/01 a number of LAs did not confirm the data for their schools. Numbers relating to 2000-01 have been estimated. (5) Exclusions data are collected retrospectively. The 2006 Schools' Census collected information about pupils on roll in January 2006 together with permanent exclusions during the 2004-05 school year. This analysis requires exclusions data to be linked to school population data collected a year earlier. A link could not be established for all schools. There may be discrepancies between the total across all schools and the sum of constituent items broken down by size of school. (6) The number of permanent exclusions by school population size band expressed as a percentage of the total number of pupils in schools within the same size band.  Note: Exclusion numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source: Schools Census

Pupils: Travel

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what percentage of  (a) primary and  (b) secondary school pupils lived more than three miles from the school that they attend on the latest date for which data are available.

Jim Knight: The information requested is set out in the following table :
	
		
			   Total number of pupils( 1)  Number of pupils( 1)  living 3+ miles from school  Percentage of pupils( 1)  living 3+ miles from school 
			 Primary 3,350,326 136,653 4.1 
			 Secondary(2) 2,985,694 508,405 17.0 
			 (1) Pupils age 5-15 years attending Local Authority Maintained Schools (2) Secondary includes CTC's and Academies  Source:  Schools Census returns made by schools to the Department in January 2006.

Qualifications

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what percentage of the adult population in England have achieved at least a level  (a) 2 and  (b) 3 qualification.

Phil Hope: In Quarter 3 2006 in England, there were:
	 (a) 20.4 million working age adults qualified to at least Level 2, 69.6 per cent. of the population.
	 (b) 14.2 million working age adults qualified to at least Level 3, 48.3 per cent. of the population.
	These figures have been estimated using the Labour Force Survey. Working age adults are males aged 18 to 64 and females aged 18 to 59.

Schools: Closures

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether his Department takes into account the recent academic performance of a school when deciding whether it should be closed; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: Proposals to close schools are normally made by a local authority and are decided under local decision making arrangements. Under current provisions, such decisions are taken by the local School Organisation Committee (SOC) or, if the SOC cannot reach a unanimous decision, the schools adjudicator. SOCs and adjudicators must have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State when deciding proposals. The guidance sets out a range of factors that must be considered for the different types of proposals but stresses that all cases must be considered on their individual merits. The factors include: the overall impact on local standards of provision, the demand/supply of school places, the impact on the local community and the views of interested parties. Decision making arrangements will change in May, when we aim to introduce the new provisions of the Education and Inspections Act 2006. These provide for the local authority to decide most proposals for school closures, but with some explicit powers of appeal to the schools adjudicator.
	The Secretary of State has a power to direct a local authority to discontinue a school where that school has been judged by Ofsted to require special measures. We set out in the White Paper, Higher Standards, Better Schools For All, our expectation that, where a school in special measures is making inadequate progress after 12 months, the local authority will take radical action, with a presumption of closure, if necessary using the Secretary of State's power, with a replacement school or academy normally opened on the same site.

Schools: Community Relations

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he is taking to ensure that schools are fulfilling their duty to promote community cohesion; and if he will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: The duty on schools to promote community cohesion comes into force in September 2007. Ofsted inspections will also cover the discharge of the duty. My Department will publish guidance for schools in the summer term, so that schools will be prepared for the commencement of the new duty. The guidance will set out what is expected of schools in fulfilling the duty, including practical examples of schools which are already doing successful work in this area.

Schools: Construction

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many building or refurbishing projects under Building Schools for the Future for  (a) primary and  (b) secondary schools have been subject to a Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method assessment.

Jim Knight: All new schools and refurbishment projects within the Department's capital programme are required to register for a BREEAM assessment if the total project costs are above a threshold(1). This requirement was introduced in March 2005, and registered schools are expected to achieve a minimum BREEAM rating of very good.
	There are currently 411 schools within the capital programme (including BSF) that have registered for a BREEAM assessment. The Department does not have separate data on the numbers of primary and secondary schools that have registered. Timescales within the construction process are such that no schools that have been required to achieve the target rating have yet been formally assessed.
	(1 )All projects involving remodelling or complete refurbishment of more than 10 per cent. of the total gross internal floor area where the cost of a school project costing 500,000 or more for a primary school, 2 million or more for a secondary school.

Schools: Construction

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many primary school newbuild and refurbishment projects under the Building Schools for the Future programme  (a) are valued at over 500,000,  (b) involve the rebuilding or complete refurbishment of more than 10 per cent. of the school's floor area and  (c) fit into both categories;
	(2)  how many secondary school newbuild and refurbishment projects under the Building Schools for the Future programme  (a) are valued at over 2 million,  (b) involve the rebuilding or complete refurbishment of more than 10 per cent. of the school's floor area and  (c) fit into both categories.

Jim Knight: There are 370 secondary schools, secondary special schools and pupil referral units in waves 1-3 of Building Schools for the Future (BSF). The scopeand therefore valueof works in projects beyond wave 3 has not yet been determined. Wave 4 projects are currently developing their plans.
	 (a) Work at 347 of the 370 schools has a proposed capital value of over 2 million.
	 (b) More than 10 per cent. of floor area will be rebuilt or completely refurbished at all 370 schools.
	 (c) Consequently, 347 schools fit into both categories.
	Primary schools are not covered by BSF. However we are taking a similarly transformational approach to capital investment for the primary sector. Funding for the pathfinder phase of the primary capital programme will commence in 2008-09 with 150 million of additional funding being shared among 23 regional pathfinders. The programme will be rolled out nationally from 2009-10 underpinned by 500 million of additional investment. Subject to future government spending decisions, we anticipate that the additional investment will continue at that level for at least 15 years. The scope of these projects will be decided at local level.

Schools: Construction

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether Academy building projects are subject to a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method assessment.

Jim Knight: All new schools and refurbishment projects within my Department's capital programme are required to register for a BREEAM assessment if the total project costs are above a threshold(1). This requirement was introduced in March 2005, and registered schools are expected to achieve a minimum BREEAM rating of very good. Academies funded since then have been required to meet this standard.
	Academies now being procured under the Building Schools for the Future programme or via the Partnerships for Schools national framework will also be required to subscribe and comply with BREEAM and achieve a rating of very good.
	(1) All projects involving remodelling or complete refurbishment of more than 10 per cent. of the total gross internal floor area where the cost of a school project costing 500,000 or more for a primary school, 2 million or more for a secondary school.

Schools: Construction

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many  (a) primary and  (b) secondary schools which have had a building or refurbishing project subject to a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method assessment achieved a mark of very good.

Jim Knight: All new schools and refurbishment projects within my Department's capital programme are required to register for a BREEAM assessment if the total project costs are above a threshold(1). This requirement was introduced in March 2005, and registered schools are expected to achieve a minimum BREEAM rating of 'very good'.
	Timescales within the construction process are such that no schools that have been required to achieve the target rating have yet been formally assessed. However, four schools in England have been assessed and had their BREEAM rating independently certified, even though these were designed before there was a requirement for DfES-funded projects to meet the rating of 'very good'. The ratings achieved for those schools were 'pass', 'good', and two of 'very good'.
	(1) All projects involving remodelling or complete refurbishment of more than 10 per cent. of the total gross internal floor area where the cost of a school project costing 500,000 or more for a primary school, 2 million or more for a secondary school.

Schools: Hendon

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools in Hendon were inspected by Ofsted in the last 12 months; what the outcome of each inspection was; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: This is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, has written to my hon. Friend and a copy of her reply has been placed in the Library.
	 Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 2 February 2007:
	Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector for reply.
	You asked how many schools in Hendon were Inspected by Ofsted in the last twelve months; what the outcome of each inspection was! and if the Secretary of State for Education and Skills would make a statement.
	During the calendar year 2006 eleven schools In Hendon(1) were inspected; ten primary schools and one secondary school. The schools and the outcome of their inspections are listed below; four were judged to be outstanding five good and two satisfactory.
	
		
			  School  Address  Postcode 
			  Schools judged to be outstanding   
			 Deansbrook Junior School Hale Drive NW7 3ED 
			 The Annunciation RC Infant School Thirleby Road HA8 0HQ 
			 St Joseph's RC Junior School Watford Way NW4 4TY 
			 The Orion Primary School Lanacre Avenue NW9 5FN 
			
			  Schools judged to be good   
			 Bell Lane Primary School Bell Lane NW4 2AS 
			 Colindale Primary School 30 Poolsford Road NW9 6HP 
			 Rosh Pinah Primary School Glengall Road HA8 8TE 
			 Woodcroft Primary School Goldbeaters Grove HA8 0QF 
			 Broadfields Primary School Hartland Drive HA8 8TN 
			
			  Schools judged to be satisfactory   
			 Sunnyfields Primary School Hatchcroft NW4 4JH 
			 St Mary's CofE High School Downage NW4 1AB 
		
	
	(1) The figures are based on schools identified to be in the Parliamentary Constituency of Hendon in the DfES Education database as at 30(th) January 2007.
	A copy of this reply has been sent to Jim Knight MP, Minister of State for Schools, and will be placed in the library of both Houses.

Schools: Lincolnshire

Elliot Morley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the capital allocation for schools in North Lincolnshire was in  (a) 1995 and  (b) 1996.

Jim Knight: The Department has maintained central records of allocations to individual local authorities since the financial year commencing 1 April 1996. In 1996, the capital allocation for schools in North Lincolnshire was 0.3 million. This has risen to 6.2 million in 2006-07.
	Capital allocations to schools have increased from 683 million in 1996-97 to a planned 6.4 billion in 2007-08, a six-fold increase in real terms.

Schools: Sustainable Development

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what  (a) visits and  (b) meetings Ministers (i) have had and (ii) are scheduled to have in 2007 on the 2006-07 Year of Action on sustainable development for schools.

Parmjit Dhanda: The following table shows the external visits and meetings Ministers (i) have had, since it started in September 2006, and (ii) are scheduled to have in 2007 on the '2006-07 Year of Action on sustainable development for schools'. Ministers have regular internal meetings with departmental officials on this and a wide range of subjects.
	
		
			  Date  Meeting/visit detail 
			  Jim Knight  
			 7 November 2006 Meeting with the Director of the Faculty of Excellence 
			   
			  Parmjit Dhanda  
			 4 December 2006 Creating Sustainable Schools Building Conference 
			 21 March 2007 Learning for Environmental Sustainability: Implications for classrooms, curriculum and community conference

Secondary Education: Financial Education

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of financial education programmes for 14 to 16-year-olds; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: Ofsted regularly reports on Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship education, through which financial education is most often delivered. We are seeking to give financial education a more secure place in the curriculum by introducing a new 'economic well-being' strand within PSHE, as part of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority review of the secondary curriculum (11 to 16-year-olds). We are also introducing functional mathematics to the maths GCSE from 2010, which will ensure that all pupils who achieve a grade C or above will have mastered the basics, including elements of financial capability.

Secondary Education: Sherford

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills in what timescale he expects a decision to be made on a new secondary school at Sherford, Devon.

Jim Knight: It is for Devon county council to decide when a new secondary school will be needed for Sherford. The local authority does not expect a school to be needed until at least 2010-11. The authority has consulted on its proposals and I understand the authority intends to publish a notice for a competition for the new school in due course.

Secondary Education: Specialist Schools

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many secondary schools designated as specialist there are in each local authority; what the  (a) name and  (b) designation is of each specialist school selecting by aptitude in each authority; and what percentage of pupils are selected by aptitude by each school.

Jim Knight: There are currently 2,695 designated specialist schools. This represents around 85 per cent. of all maintained secondary schools. A list showing the names, numbers and specialism of designated specialist schools in each local authority has been placed in the House Library. The Department does not collect data on selection by aptitude. However all schools including Specialist Schools are bound by strict limitations set within the School Admissions Code of Practice.

Special Educational Needs

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many applications for statements for special educational needs there were in each year since 1997;
	(2)  how many successful applications for statements of special educational needs were made in each year since 1997.

Parmjit Dhanda: This information is not collected centrally. Information on the number of statutory assessments carried out by local authorities and the number of statements issued following such assessments is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Assessment of children for new statements of SEN, 1997 to 2005, England 
			   Total children assessed for statements of SEN during the calendar year  Total children for whom a statement of SEN was made for the first time in the calendar year  Percentage of children for whom a statement of SEN was made for the first time in the calendar year( 1) 
			 1997(2) 37,340 35,650 95.5 
			 1998 37,830 36,180 95.6 
			 1999 37,070 35,420 95.6 
			 2000 35,330 33,750 95.5 
			 2001 33,980 32,470 95.5 
			 2002 32,110 30,720 95.7 
			 2003 30,370 28,780 94.8 
			 2004 27,290 25,990 95.2 
			 2005 25,190 24,040 95.5 
			 (1) The number of children for whom a statement of SEN was made for the first time expressed as a percentage of all children assessed for statements of SEN. (2) Excludes Staffordshire in 1997. A return was not received from this authority.  Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of the component parts because numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source: SEN two surveys 1998 and 2006.

Students: Admissions

Andrew Pelling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the percentage change was in the number of students aged 19 and over in the academic year 2005-06 from that in 2004-05 in  (a) further education colleges,  (b) adult and continuing education and  (c) adult work-based learning (i) in England and (ii) in the London borough of Croydon.

Phil Hope: The information requested is not yet available for the London borough of Croydon for 2005-06; but will be available in approximately six weeks and I will write to the hon. Member then.

Teachers: Discrimination

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department is taking to prevent homophobic and transphobic abuse of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender teachers.

Jim Knight: The responsibility for ensuring that teachers are not discriminated against at work rests with their employer (the governing body of the school or the local authority). The Department deplores all forms of discrimination and would expect that all schools and local authorities work to ensure that discrimination does not occur. The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 were introduced to outlaw discrimination and harassment in employment and vocational training on the grounds of sexual orientation. The Regulations apply throughout the employment relationship, the recruitment process, in the workplace, on dismissal and, in certain circumstances, after the employment has finished.

Teachers: North East Region

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many  (a) primary and  (b) secondary school teachers were employed in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) the North East and (iv) England in each year since 1997.

Jim Knight: The following table provides the full-time equivalent number of teachers employed in maintained nursery/primary and secondary schools in Jarrow constituency, South Tyneside and North East Government office region and England in January 1997 to 2006.
	
		
			  Full-time equivalent teachers employed In maintained nursery/primary and secondary schools in Jarrow constituency( 1) , South Tyneside, the North East Government office region and England: January 1997 to 2006 
			   Nursery/primary  Secondary 
			   Jarrow( 1)  South Tyneside  North East  England  Jarrow( 1)  South Tyneside  North East  England 
			 1997 360 700 10,400 191,670 300 590 10,790 189,430 
			 1998 350 690 10,280 190,100 300 580 10,650 189,580 
			 1999 350 690 10,310 191,120 310 610 10,640 191,780 
			 2000 350 640 10.190 193,100 320 590 10,740 193,200 
			 2001 360 680 10,350 194,960 340 650 11,070 196,680 
			 2002 340 660 10,440 197,370 360 700 11,380 203,170 
			 2003 330 630 10,210 197,430 350 690 11,340 206,870 
			 2004 320 630 10,170 196,640 350 680 11,270 211,000 
			 2005 310 610 10,050 196,270 350 670 11,430 215,060 
			 2006 310 590 10,070 198,190 360 720 11,440 216,290 
			 (1) The DfES annual survey of teachers in service and teacher vacancies, 618g, is the preferred count of teachers in service but these figures are only available to local authority level. Information for Jarrow constituency is provided by the Annual School Census.  Note: Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.  Source: Annual School Census and DfES annual survey of teachers in service and teacher vacancies, 618g

Teachers: Qualifications

Robert Walter: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers qualified in each region in England in 2004/05; and how many of those who qualified in each region are not working in teaching.

Jim Knight: The following table shows the number of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) trainees gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in academic year 2004/05 in each region in England and how many of those who qualified were known not to be in a teaching post six months after gaining QTS.
	
		
			  Number of mainstream ITT trainees gaining QTS in 2004/05 and the number of those gaining QTS in 2004/05 who were known not to be in teaching posts six months after gaining QTS 
			   ITT trainees gaining QTS 2004/05  Number of ITT trainees gaining QTS in 2004/05 known not to be in teaching posts 6 months after 
			 Eastern 2,220 100 
			 East Midlands 1,760 130 
			 London 4,720 350 
			 North East 1,380 140 
			 North West 4,780 440 
			 South East 3,540 270 
			 South West 2,920 280 
			 West Midlands 2,540 120 
			 Yorkshire and The Humber 3,040 270 
			 Non-regional providers 250 40 
			 All providers 27,150 2,140 
			  Notes: 1. Include trainees from Universities and other Higher Education (HE) institutions, School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) and Open Universities (OU), but exclude employment based routes. 2. Numbers are individually rounded to the nearest 10 and therefore may not sum. 3. Figures for ITT trainees known not to be employed in teaching posts six months after gaining QTS include newly qualified teachers who are seeking a teaching post and those who are not seeking a teaching post, but do not include those with an unknown destination.  Source:  TDA Performance Profiles

Tribunals: Administrative Delays

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what average time was taken between a statement being requested and being issued in cases where the full appeal process via tribunals has been exercised in the latest year for which figures are available, broken down by local educational authority .

Jim Knight: This information is not collected centrally.
	Time limits within which local authorities are required to comply with tribunal orders specified in the Education (Special Educational Needs) (England) (Consolidation) Regulations 2001. These require a local authority to issue a statement in draft within five weeks of being ordered by the tribunal to make a statement.

Young People: Voluntary Work

Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what funding has been allocated to Millennium Volunteers to September 2007; how much funding will be provided in the next three years; and if he will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 8 February 2007
	A total of 106.9 million has been allocated to Millennium Volunteers (MV) since its launch in 1999 up to 31 March 2007. A further allocation of 15 million will be made for the 2007-08 financial year ending on 31 March 2008. The funding in 2007-08 is to be transferred to Cabinet Office. The intention is that responsibility for management of the programme will transfer to v, the new youth volunteering body. The continuation of Millennium Volunteers from 2008-09 onwards will be subject to the outcomes of the Comprehensive Spending Review, to be concluded later this year.

Youth Unemployment

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what percentage of  (a) 16 to 18,  (b) 17 and  (c) 18-year-olds were not in education, employment or training in each local education authority area in the North East region in November (i) 2004, (ii) 2005 and (iii) 2006.

James Plaskitt: I have been asked to reply
	The specific information requested is not available.
	This is because the figures are taken from the Annual Population Survey (APS) but are not available for individual months. The APS is designed to be an annual survey and the sample size is too small to provide monthly estimates.
	Therefore although information could be provided for the North East region it cannot be provided for the specific month of November.
	The available information is in the table.
	
		
			  January-December 2004: NEETs defined by LEA within North East Government office region 
			   Level  Proportion of all (%) 
			   Aged 16  Aged 17  Aged 18  Aged 16-18  Aged 16  Aged 17  Aged 18  Aged 16-18 
			 Darlington (1) (1) (1) 249 (1) (1) (1) 7.1 
			 Durham 1,346 991 651 2,988 23.7 13.7 10.2 15.5 
			 Gateshead 401 (1) 504 1,052 22.9 (1) 24.5 18.6 
			 Hartlepool (1) 246 486 809 (1) 18.5 38.5 21.4 
			 Middlesbrough (1) (1) 724 1,027 (1) (1) 28.6 16.6 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 1,032 605 1,005 2,641 26.3 17.4 29 24.3 
			 North Tyneside (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) 
			 Northumberland 485 498 788 1,771 11.1 12.1 16.1 13.2 
			 Redcar and Cleveland (1) 437 515 1,112 (1) 21.9 24.1 18.6 
			 South Tyneside (1) 321 533 970 (1) 14.5 21.8 14.5 
			 Stockton-on-Tees (1) 558 (1) 899 (1) 18.4 (1) 11.4 
			 Sunderland (1) 817 1,278 2,704 (1) 18.3 26.9 18.6 
			 All 4,663 4,969 6,760 16,392 13.6 14.5 19.4 15.9 
			  Source:  Annual Population Survey 
		
	
	
		
			  January-December 2005: NEETs defined by LEA within North East Government office region 
			   Level  Proportion of all (%) 
			   Aged 16  Aged 17  Aged 18  Aged 16-18  Aged 16  Aged 17  Aged 18  Aged 16-18 
			 Darlington (1) (1) (1) 368 (1) (1) (1) 8.5 
			 Durham 786 1,139 1,270 3,195 14.7 19.1 22.2 18.8 
			 Gateshead 475 (1) (1) 767 22.7 (1) (1) 11.7 
			 Hartlepool 193 341 205 739 18.5 30.2 13.6 20.1 
			 Middlesbrough 377 (1) (1) 741 15.8 (1) (1) 13.8 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne (1) 638 (1) 1,544 (1) 16 (1) 15.8 
			 North Tyneside (1) (1) (1) 780 (1) (1) (1) 13.9 
			 Northumberland 390 639 569 1,598 9.3 13.7 11.4 11.6 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 435 425 (1) 990 16.3 21.8 (1) 15.3 
			 South Tyneside 653 363 887 1,902 31.9 23.2 38.5 32.1 
			 Stockton-on-Tees (1) (1) 489 1,007 (1) (1) 17.7 12.8 
			 Sunderland (1) 781 827 1,922 (1) 14.8 17.8 13 
			 All 4,582 5,216 5,754 15,553 13.9 15.3 16.8 15.4 
			  Source:  Annual Population Survey 
		
	
	
		
			  July 2005 to June 2006: NEETs defined by LEA within North East Government office region 
			   Level  Proportion of all (%) 
			   Aged 16  Aged 17  Aged 18  Aged 16-18  Aged 16  Aged 17  Aged 18  Aged 16-18 
			 Darlington (1) (1) (1) 375 (1) (1) (1) 9.3 
			 Durham (1) 2,172 (1) 3,957 (1) 24.6 (1) 18.3 
			 Gateshead 511 (1) (1) 1,102 26.4 (1) (1) 17 
			 Hartlepool (1) 266 354 823 (1) 29.5 24 21.6 
			 Middlesbrough 324 (1) (1) 618 16.2 (1) (1) 11.5 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne (1) (1) (1) 757 (1) (1) (1) 9.2 
			 North Tyneside (1) (1) (1) 850 (1) (1) (1) 11.7 
			 Northumberland (1) (1) (1) 1,170 (1) (1) (1) 11.7 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 559 (1) 444 1,245 22.7 (1) 23.4 21.2 
			 South Tyneside 401 (1) 792 1,476 23.3 (1) 37.9 26.4 
			 Stockton-on-Tees (1) 482 742 1,559 (1) 20.4 21.2 18.2 
			 Sunderland (1) 748 866 1,943 (1) 13.7 22.5 13.9 
			 All 4,545 5,282 6,048 15,875 13.8 15.7 17.7 15.8 
			 (1) Sample size of 5 or less which has been suppressed to avoid the possibility of identifying individuals.  Notes: 1. Some of the sample sizes are very small due to the narrow age bands and small geographic areas. 2. As with any sample survey, estimates from the Annual Population Survey are subject to a margin of uncertainty. As such, care should be taken when interpreting the figures.  Source:  Annual Population Survey

TREASURY

Annuities

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the threshold age of 75 years for compulsory annuities was first introduced; when it was last reviewed; and what representations he has received requesting its extension.

Edward Balls: Tax legislation requires that pension saving must be converted into a secure income, often through an annuity, by age 75. This requirement was introduced in respect of retirement annuity contracts in 1976 and for personal pensions when they were introduced on 1 July 1988. For small self-administered occupational pension schemes (the only kind of occupational pension scheme that was directly required as a condition of tax approval to secure member's benefits through annuitisation) the requirement to purchase an annuity by age 75 was first introduced in 1994.
	These rules have, of course, been replaced by the new pensions' tax regime that came into effect on 6 April 2006.
	The Government regularly receive representations on the age 75 limit and other related issues on annuities policy. The Government definitively set out their policy and the underlying evidence base on annuities, including the age 75 limit, in The Annuities Market published alongside the 2006 pre-Budget report. The report is available at the following link:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/53E/8F/pbr06_annuities_293.pdf

Annuities: Taxation

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how HM Revenue and Customs will be contacting pensioners who receive retirement annuities to explain the changes to the way they are taxed on their annuity income.

Edward Balls: Every annuitant affected by the change will be receiving over the coming weeks a coding letter (P2) and some additional information. Over 950,000 will have been issued by 16 February 2007. In addition every annuitant who currently receives their annuity gross received a letter and a leaflet in early January explaining the changes.

Annuities: Taxation

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether HM Revenue and Customs is undertaking a publicity campaign to alert pensioners who receive retirement annuities to explain the changes to the way they are taxed on their annuity income.

Edward Balls: HMRC issued a press notice on 11 January explaining the changes and that every annuitant affected by the change would be receiving a coding letter and some information about the changes over the coming weeks. It is not planned to issue any further bulk communications before April because for the majority of customers there will be no overall change to their tax liability.

Bank Sepah International

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the decision by the US Administration to impose sanctions on the UK-based Bank Sepah International.

Edward Balls: Decisions by the US Administration to impose financial sanctions under their domestic legislation are a matter for the US Administration.
	As set out in my statement to Parliament on 7 February, following the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of Resolution 1737, the Government have introduced Orders in Council under the United Nations Act 1946, which implement in the UK the financial sanctions elements of Resolution 1737 and implement the provisions of Resolution 1737 in the UK's overseas territories. The Government are strongly supportive of international efforts in tackling abuse of financial systems and these actions are further evidence of this.

Dormant Bank Accounts

Don Foster: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his Department's most recent estimate is of the revenue that can be released from dormant bank accounts; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Balls: The Government, banks and building societies have agreed that the definition of an unclaimed asset should generally cover bank and building society accounts where there has been no customer activity for a period of 15 years as that will best identify those accounts that are genuinely unclaimed. On this basis, initial record searches by banks and building societies suggest that several hundred million pounds may currently lie unclaimed.

Banks: Closures

Peter Bone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of bank branch closures on small local communities.

Edward Balls: Banks' decisions regarding their branch networks are commercial decisions for the banks. Government will continue to monitor the situation as regards access to banking services.

BP

David Gauke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what  (a) correspondence and  (b) discussions he has had with BP since 1 October 2006.

John Healey: Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide range of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Mike Hancock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the likely change in the UK's annual carbon emissions by 2010 resulting from  (a) each of the measures announced in the pre-Budget report designed to impact on emissions and  (b) all measures announced in the pre-Budget report taken collectively; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The impact of measures designed to reduce carbon emissions announced in the pre-Budget report can be found in a table at the end of chapter seven of the document. To assess the change in the UK's carbon emissions by 2010 of all collective measures announced in the pre-Budget report would incur disproportionate costs.

Census

Mike Hancock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that the Office for National Statistics includes a new 100-year census confidentiality rule in primary statistics legislation.

John Healey: The proposals put forward in the Statistics and Registration Service Bill, introduced into the Commons on 2 November 2006, include a confidentiality obligation (in clause 36), which specifies that information, including census records, that allows individuals or businesses to be identified, is confidential, whether held by the board or passed by the board to others. Anyone found to have unlawfully revealed personal information to others will be committing a criminal offence.
	The proposals included in the Bill do not change the current position in relation to census records held by the National Archive.

Census: Ethnic Groups

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will instruct the Office for National Statistics to include a tick box for the Cornish under the ethnic monitoring section of the 2011 Census.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Colin Mowl, dated 19 February 2007:
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if the Chancellor of the Exchequer will instruct the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to include a tick box for the Cornish under the ethnic monitoring section of the 2011 Census. I am replying in her absence. (121596)
	The Government, local and health authorities, academics, commercial business and professions need reliable information from a Census in order to conduct their activities. The Census question content needs to be appropriate to meet the requirements of these users, and to be acceptable to the majority of respondents.
	The primary objective of the 2011 Census is to get the best possible estimate of the population, because of its crucial importance for local and national planning and resource allocation. Consultation on census topics was carried out during 2005, and ONS' response to the consultation was published in March 2006.
	The 2011 Census: Assessment of initial user requirements on content for England and Wales http://www.statistics.gov.uk/about/consultations/2011Census_response.asp
	The topic consultation identified demand for about six pages worth of questions. Cost constraints and the burden on respondents are likely to limit space to three pages of questions per person. There are thus difficult choices to be made, with census questions being limited to those where there is a national need for information on small areas or small groups of the population that could not be found from other sources (surveys, for example). Space constraints on the census questionnaire mean that there are limits to the number of tick-boxes that can be accommodated and national identity and ethnicity questions will contain tick boxes only for the largest groups; others will be able to write-in a response in an 'other' box.
	Anyone who wishes to record their ethnicity and identity as Cornish would have the opportunity to do so by using the write-in options, as they did for the 2001 Census when 37,491 respondents wrote in their ethnicity as 'Cornish'.
	ONS is aware of the demand for information on the Cornish, and has arranged to meet representatives from Cornwall County Council and others in Truro in April.
	Final decisions on the content of the 2011 Census will not be made until the consultation and testing programme is complete and formal approval is given by Parliament in 2010. A White Paper setting out the Government's proposals including the wording of any questions about ethnicity and identity is scheduled to be published in 2008.

Centre for Energy Policy Studies

David Gauke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what  (a) correspondence and  (b) discussions he has had with the Centre for Energy Policy Studies since 1 October 2006;
	(2)  what  (a) correspondence and  (b) discussions he has had with Mr. Nick Butler of the Centre for Energy Policy Studies since 1 October 2006.

John Healey: Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings.

Cervical Cancer

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many women have  (a) been diagnosed with cervical cancer and  (b) died from the disease in each year since 1997.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 19( ) February 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many women have (a) been diagnosed with cervical cancer and (b) died from the disease in each year since 1997.
	The latest available figures for newly diagnosed cases of cancer (incidence) are for the year 2004 (England). The numbers of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in each year between 1997 and 2004 in England are given in the table below, and are also published in the Annual Reference Volume, Cancer statistics: Registrations (Series MB1) available on the NS website
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=8843Pos=1ColRank=2Rank=272
	The latest available figures for mortality are for the year 2005 (England and Wales) and are published in the Annual Reference Volume, Mortality Statistics: Cause (Series DH2) available on the NS website.
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=618Pos=ColRank=1Rank=208
	The numbers of deaths from cervical cancer in each year between 1997 and 2005 in England are given in the table below.
	
		
			  Cervical cancer incidence( 1)  1997-2004, and mortality( 2)  1997-2005, England 
			   Registrations of newly diagnosed cases  Number of deaths 
			 1997 2,607 1,150 
			 1998 2,594 1,078 
			 1999 2,642 1,034 
			 2000 2,424 1,035 
			 2001 2,418 947 
			 2002 2,305 926 
			 2003 2,312 888 
			 2004 2,221 899 
			 2005  837 
			 (1) Cervical cancer is defined as code C53 in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD 10). (2) Data selected using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code 180 between 1997 and 2000, and Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code C53 from 2001 onwards.  Source:  Office for National Statistics.

Debt

Ann McKechin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much debt relief and cancellation in terms of  (a) flow relief and  (b) stock cancellation has been granted by the Government since 2004 on debts of (i) low and (ii) lower middle income countries owed to (A) the Export Credits Guarantee Department, including debts that have been rescheduled after Paris Club agreements, and (B) HM Treasury, broken down by country.

Edward Balls: The following table shows the debt relief, in terms of flow relief and stock cancellation granted by the UK Government since 2004 on debts owed to the UK's Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) by low and lower middle income countries under Paris Club debt rescheduling agreements. ECGD has not written off any debts outside of the Paris Club. There are no debts outstanding specifically to the Treasury.
	
		
			   million 
			Flow and/or stock cancellation  
			  Category  Country  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  Total debt relief including flow and stock 
			 Low Income Cote d'Ivoire 0.96   0.96 
			  D R Congo 2.54 0.39  2.39 
			  Ethiopia 10.55   10.55 
			  Ghana 66.06 10.71 5.91 82.68 
			  Madagascar 24.06   24.06 
			  Malawi 0.08 0.78 0.23 1.09 
			  Niger 4.97   4.97 
			  Nigeria  1,142.41 1,657.59 2,800.00 
			  Senegal 0.14 0.88  1.02 
			  Sierra Leone 0.11 0.11 2.50 2.72 
			  Zambia 162.39  129.49 291.88 
			   
			 Lower Middle Iraq 336 336  672 
			  Cameroon 5.78 0.25 52.51 58.54 
			  Serbia and Montenegro  42.65 26.70 69.35 
			  Republic of Congo 74.00   74.00 
			 Total  687.64 1,534.18 1,874.93 4,096.21 
		
	
	The debt forgiveness figures are as at 31 January 2007. There may be additional debt forgiveness before the end of this financial year.
	In line with our commitments under the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative, the UK has cancelled 100 per cent. of its outstanding sovereign claims on Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Senegal, Zambia, Sierra Leone and Cameroon. The UK is providing 100 per cent. flow relief to the DRC and will also provide 100 per cent. debt stock cancellation to the DRC, Republic of Congo and Cote d'Ivoire once they reach completion point under the HIPC initiative.

Departments: Aviation

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost was of each helicopter flight he has taken within the UK on official business in the last three months.

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions he has used a non-scheduled flight within the UK on official business in the last 12 months; and what the  (a) purpose and  (b) cost was of each such flight.

John Healey: In respect of overseas travel by Cabinet Ministers, since 1999 the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing 500 or more during each financial year. Where non-scheduled aircraft are used this is shown in the list. Information for 2005-06 was published on 24 July 2006. Copies of the lists are available in the Library for the reference of Members. Equivalent detail about domestic travel could be provided only at disproportionate cost. All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, copies of which are available in the Library for the reference of Members. All official travel is undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Civil Service Management Code, a copy of which is also available in the Library for the reference of Members.

Departments: Career Structure

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to  (a) encourage and  (b) support staff in his Department to be more active in the workplace.

John Healey: The Treasury provides a range of support for its staff, as detailed in Chapter 6 of the departmental report (Cm 6830, May 2006).

Departments: Cost Effectiveness

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of total savings made by the Government as a consequence of the Gershon Review; and how much of such savings are cashable.

Stephen Timms: The pre-Budget report announced that 13.3 billion of annual efficiency gains had been achieved by the end of September 2006.
	Over 60 per cent. of these gains are cashable.

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Lorely Burt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to implement the gender equality duty due to come into force on 6 April.

Paul Burstow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department  (a) has taken and  (b) plans to take to ensure that it and related bodies are in compliance with the gender equality duty in the Equality Act 2006 by the April 2007 deadline.

John Healey: HM Treasury is developing plans to implement the Gender Equality Duty within the framework of its overall commitment to enhancing the diversity of its culture and work force. The Treasury will publish its Gender Equality Scheme by 30 April 2007.

Departments: Equal Opportunities

Lorely Burt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department has taken to implement the Race Equality Duty since 2000.

John Healey: Information about the Treasury's Race Equality Schemeand a copy of the Scheme itselfare available on the Treasury website:
	www.hm-treasury.gov.uk.
	The Scheme sets out how the Treasury is taking forward its statutory duty to promote race equality.

Departments: Freedom of Information

Anne Main: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions special advisers have been consulted in replying to Freedom of Information requests to his Department; and what his Department's policy is on the role of special advisers in the answering of Freedom of Information requests.

John Healey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Rayleigh (Mr. Francois) on 7 November 2006,  Official Report, column 1039W.

Departments: Furniture

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many items of furniture were  (a) lost and  (b) stolen from his Department in each year since 1997; and what the value was of those items in each year.

John Healey: None.

Departments: Official Cars

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many vehicles belonging to his Department were  (a) lost and  (b) stolen in each year since 1997; and what the (i) make and model and (ii) value was of each vehicle.

John Healey: Since the introduction of the Department's current accounting system in 2002-03, vehicles used by HM Treasury have been provided by the Government Car Service and none have been owned by the Department in that time. A search of our records prior to then could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost but we are not aware of any vehicles having been lost or stolen in the years prior to 2002-03.

Departments: Pay

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total sum of bonuses paid to civil servants in his Department was in  (a) 2005 and  (b) 2006.

John Healey: I refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Rayleigh (Mr. Francois) on 7 November 2006,  Official Report, column 1039W.

Economics of Climate Change Review

David Gauke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Sir Nicholas Stern is continuing to work for his Department on climate change; and whether he plans to commission Sir Nicholas to undertake further such work.

John Healey: The HM Treasury Press Notice of 7 December 2006 sets out Sir Nicholas' future plans.

Employee Exit Survey

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 31 January 2007,  Official Report, column 339W, on the employee exit survey, if he will place in the Library a copy of the report on open ended responses, with any personal information edited from it.

John Healey: The responses to the open-ended comments in the employee exit survey contain only personal information. Therefore, it is not appropriate to release this information into the public domain.

Employee Share Ownership Schemes

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what the timetable is for completing the Share Incentive Plan review;
	(2)  how many UK employees took up Share Incentive Plans in each year between 2000-01 and 2005-06;
	(3)  what the total value was of tax relief on share incentive plans in each year between 2000-01 and 2005-06;
	(4)  what the parameters are for his Department's review of share incentive plans.

Dawn Primarolo: The Government remain committed to supporting employee share ownership, which benefits companies, employees and the economy.
	Estimates of the value of tax relief and employee take-up of Share Incentive Plan are published annually as National Statistics on the HMRC website at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/emp_share_schemes/menu.htm
	Estimates for 2005-06 will be published in the next set of National Statistics later this year.
	Share Incentive Plan, as with all tax policies, is under constant review and, as part of the ongoing evaluation of employee share scheme, HMRC has recently commissioned a large scale survey of Share Incentive Plan, which seeks to examine the attitudes and perceptions of both employees and employers towards the reliefs. The research is expected to finish later this year and will be published on the HMRC website.

Excise Duties: Motor Vehicles

Gregory Barker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact the changes in vehicle excise duty announced in 2005 have had on UK carbon dioxide emissions.

John Healey: holding answer 8 February 2007
	VED's environmental signal to motorists has been progressively refined and sharpened. The Government continue to monitor vehicle registrations in the light of its expectation that the numbers of vehicles in the three lowest CO(2) emissions graduated VED bands will grow, in part due to reforms to VED bands.

Freedom of Information: Identity Cards

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost to the public purse was, including staff time, of action by  (a) his Department,  (b) solicitors working for his Department and  (c) the Office of Government Commerce in challenging Freedom of Information (FOI) requests relating to Gateway reviews of the National Identity Card programme, broken down by stage of FOI process.

John Healey: OGC has incurred 13,870.66 of costs for litigation services with the Treasury Solicitor's Department up to 31 December 2006. Information regarding other costs is unavailable and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Home Condition Reports

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 29 November 2006,  Official Report, column 724W, on Home Condition Reports, whether his Department made representations to the Department for Communities and Local Government in the calendar year 2006 which related to home condition reports or home information packs.

Dawn Primarolo: I understand that neither the Treasury nor the Valuation Office Agency made such representations.

Housing Market

Ben Chapman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of London house prices on house prices in the rest of the UK.

Yvette Cooper: I have been asked to reply.
	Neither Treasury nor Communities and Local Government have made an assessment of the effect of London house prices on those of the rest of the UK. The Barker Review of Housing Supply, published in March 2004, concluded that UK house price trends reflect a lack of housing supply and weak responsiveness of housing supply to prices. In autumn 2003, the Bank of England concluded that there was evidence that regional house price changes were consistent with the South East, including London, playing a role in leading, or even causing, movements in the rest of the UK but only in the late 1980s/early 1990s and not during other periods.

Housing Market

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to stabilise the level of increases in house prices over the next five years.

John Healey: The Government's macroeconomic framework has delivered stability and rising prosperity. More people have had the confidence to become homeowners, with around 1.8 million more homeowners since 1997. The Government's response to Kate Barker's Review of Housing Supply, published alongside the 2005 pre-Budget report, set out how improving affordability for future generations of homebuyers required housing supply to become much more responsive to demand. It set out a comprehensive package of proposals, including an ambition to increase housing supply to 200,000 net additional homes per year by 2016.

Income Tax

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the percentage of income tax payable which was collected in  (a) Scotland and  (b) the UK in 2006.

Dawn Primarolo: Estimates of Scotland's share of UK income tax liabilities are provided in the following table for 2005-06 and 2006-07.
	
		
			   Amounts of income tax liabilities ( billion)  
			   Scotland  UK  Scotland's share of UK income tax liabilities (%) 
			 2005-06 9.0 123.6 7.3 
			 2006-07 9.5 130.5 7.3 
		
	
	Estimates have been obtained from the Survey of Personal Incomes 2008-04 and projected forward in line with pre-Budget report 2006 assumptions.

Income Tax

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much income tax has not been collected because of erroneous addressing in the last two years.

Dawn Primarolo: Amounts written off which would be attributable to incorrectly addressed letters are included in the Trust Statement overall figures for write-off of income tax where the taxpayer is untraceable for all sorts of reasons. Over the last two years the sums written off because we could not trace a customer represented some 0.03 per tax of income tax receipts.

Intellectual Property: Reviews

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what cost benefit analysis  (a) has been conducted by his Department and  (b) is planned of the recommendations in the Gowers Review of Intellectual Property.

Malcolm Wicks: I have been asked to reply.
	The Gowers Review considered the costs and benefits of a wide range of potential policy recommendations and these are summarised in the report itself.
	The Government will continue to assess the costs and benefits as it considers how best to take forward the recommendations from the Review. This will include the preparation of impact assessments which will be published as part of the consultation process.

Intellectual Property: Reviews

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the membership will be of the Strategic Advisory Board for Intellectual Property.

Malcolm Wicks: I have been asked to reply.
	As set out in the Gowers Report, the Chair of the Strategic Advisory Board for Intellectual Property will be operationally independent from Government and be appointed by the Chancellor. Membership of the Board will be drawn from a wide range of stakeholders, including academics, consumer groups and industry representatives. In addition to independent stakeholders, the head of the Intellectual Property and Innovation Directorate of the Patent Office and senior officials from DTI and HM Treasury will also sit on the Board.

Intellectual Property: Reviews

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultation he has held with  (a) other Government departments and  (b) other stakeholders on the implementation of the Gowers Review of Intellectual Property.

Malcolm Wicks: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government departments charged with implementation of the Gowers recommendations will consult with relevant departments across Whitehall and with other stakeholders before providing advice to Ministers on how best to take forward implementation of particular recommendations. A cross Whitehall Gowers Implementation Steering Group has been formed to ensure a joined-up government effort. Consultation documents on various issues will be released later this winter and in the spring, and informal engagement with stakeholders is already underway.

Intellectual Property: Reviews

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the cost of implementing the recommendations in the Gowers Review of Intellectual Property; and what funds have been committed to its implementation.

Malcolm Wicks: I have been asked to reply.
	The majority of recommendations will be implemented using existing departmental resources. Recommendations with significant costs, such as the establishment of a Strategic Advisory Board and an annual intellectual property strategic analysis fund, will require additional funding (150 000 for a Secretariat and 500 000 for the fund) which has been built into the 2007 Patent Office Corporate Plan and Budget.

Life Expectancy

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average life expectancy was in  (a) the UK,  (b) the North West and  (c) Chorley constituency in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2006.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 19 February 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what the average life expectancy was in (a) the UK, (b) the North West and (c) Chorley constituency in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2006. (120878)
	Life expectancy figures are published for local authorities rather than parliamentary constituencies, and are calculated as three year rolling averages. The table below provides the period life expectancy at birth for men and women in (a) the UK, (b) the North West government office region and (c) Chorley local authority district, in (i) 1996-98 and (ii) 2003-05 (the latest period available).
	
		
			  Table 1: Period life expectancy at birth( 1) , UK, North West Government office region, Chorley local authority district, 1996-98 and 2003-05( 2,3) 
			   Male  Female 
			  Year( 3)  Life expectancy  95 per cent. confidence interval( 4)  Life expectancy  95 per cent confidence interval( 4) 
			  UK 
			 1996-98 74.5 (74.5-74.6) 79.6 (79.6-79.6) 
			 2003-05 76.6 (76.6-76.6) 80.9 (80.9-81.0) 
			  
			  North West Government office region 
			 1996-98 73.4 (73.3-73.5) 78.5 (78.4-78.6) 
			 2003-05 75.4 (75.3-75.5) 79.9 (79.8-80.0) 
			  
			  Chorley local authority district 
			 1996-98 74.1 (73.4-74.8) 79.1 (78.4-79.7) 
			 2003-05 76.3 (75.7-77.0) 80.5 (79.9-81.0) 
			 (1) Period life expectancy at birth is an estimate of the average number of years a newborn baby would survive if he or she experienced the area's age-specific mortality rates for that time period throughout his or her life. The figure reflects mortality among those living in the area in each time period, rather than mortality among those born in each area. It is not therefore the number of years a baby born in the area in each time period could actually expect to live, both because the death rates of the area are likely to change in the future and because many of those born in the area will live elsewhere for at least some part of their lives.  (2) Using Government office region and local authority boundaries as of 2006 for all the years shown.  (3) Three year rolling averages, based on deaths registered in each year and mid-year population estimates.  (4) Confidence intervals are a measure of the statistical precision of an estimate and show the range of uncertainty around the estimated figure. Calculations based on small numbers of events are often subject to random fluctuations. As a general rule, if the confidence interval around one figure overlaps with the interval around another, we cannot say with certainty that there is more than a chance difference between the two figures.

Members: Correspondence

David Gauke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what correspondence he has had with the hon. Member for Morley and Rothwell (Colin Challen) since 1 October 2006 in relation to that hon. Member's involvement with the work being undertaken by Sir Nicholas Stern for his Department on climate change.

John Healey: My hon. Friend the Member for Morley and Rothwell (Colin Challen), who is Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Climate Change, wrote to the Chancellor about holding a conference on the work of Sir Nicholas Stern. His proposal was communicated to Sir Nicholas Stern.

Migrant Workers

Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate the Government have made of the average value of a migrant worker from each country of origin to the British economy.

John Healey: Data limitations preclude meaningful estimates of the average value of migrant workers by country of origin. However the average migrant worker (across all countries of origin) makes a positive contribution to the UK economy. Migrants (defined as people not born in the UK) constitute 10.5 per cent. of people above the age of 16 in the UK. Migrants (including family reunification and refugees) typically have lower employment rates than the UK average, around 5 per cent. lower, but typically earn 8 per cent. more. Assuming that the higher earning signify that migrants are, on average, more productive, this would indicate that migrants contribute around 11 per cent. to total gross domestic product, and cause a small but positive increase to gross domestic product per capita.

Migrant Workers

Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of recent changes to the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme on British economic relations with India; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The Highly Skilled Migrants Programme was amended in November 2006 to trial changes proposed as part of the move to a points based system for managed migration. The Points Based System will simplify the multitude of current routes into a scheme with five tiers for entry. One of the key objectives for changing the scheme is to reduce subjectivity and base decisions on objective evidence, making the process more transparent for the applicant. The aim of the change in November was to allow for a period of 'live testing' of the proposed tier 1 criteria, presenting an opportunity to review the effects of the criteria and refine them before full tier 1 roll out. Tier 1 in the new scheme will be broadly equivalent to the existing Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) in aim (to attract the most highly skilled who can benefit the UK) and entitlements (unrestricted access to the UK labour market, no need to have an employer in UK sponsoring application, the option to settle in the UK after five years, the right to bring dependants). The changes are therefore not expected to have a measurable impact on economic relations with India.

Migrant Workers

Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he held with officials in India regarding the impact of recent changes to the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme during his recent visit; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The Highly Skilled Migrants Programme was amended in November 2006 to trial changes proposed as part of the move to a points based system for managed migration. The Points Based System will reduce subjectivity and base decisions on objective evidence, making the process more transparent for the applicant. On his recent trip to India this issue was raised in discussions between the Chancellor and the President of the Indian National Congress, the Indian Prime Minister and business representatives at a financial services seminar.

National Asset Register

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many hard copies of the National Asset Register published in January 2007 were  (a) printed and  (b) sold.

Stephen Timms: The National Asset Register was published both online and in hard copy in January 2007. 610 hard copies have been printed, of which 362 copies have been set aside for Parliament and for official use and the balance are available for sale from TSO.

National Insurance Contributions

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance his Department has issued since 25 May 2006 to individuals on obtaining a pensions forecast before paying voluntary national insurance contributions.

John Healey: No guidance has been issued to Treasury staff.

National Insurance Contributions

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps have been taken by HM Revenue and Customs to alert contributors who have already amassed the 30 years of National Insurance contributions necessary to gain a full basic state pension to the potential impact of the proposed changes.

Dawn Primarolo: No specific steps have been taken to inform those contributors who already have 30 years of national insurance contributions about the potential impact of the proposed change to qualifying years because they will still be liable for national insurance contributions if they continue to work. However, HM Revenue and Customs has written to those contributors paying voluntary national insurance contributions to inform them about the Government's proposals and suggesting that they should consider very carefully whether they should continue to pay voluntary contributions or wait until the proposal becomes law.

National Insurance Contributions

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the most recent review of the National Insurance Contribution Office was undertaken; and what the findings of the review were.

Dawn Primarolo: When HM Revenue and Customs was created in April 2005, the roles and responsibilities of all its business areas were reviewed and, as the National Insurance Contributions Office (NICO) is an operational area, it was recommended that it was positioned into the processing work stream.

National Insurance Contributions

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many letters relating to non-payment of national insurance contributions have been sent to contributors in  (a) the Eastbourne constituency and  (b) England for the 2004-05 tax year.

Dawn Primarolo: HM Revenue and Customs sent 4.7 million letters to customers advising them of a potential shortfall in their national insurance contributions for the 2004-05 tax year. It is not possible to break this figure down to the number of letters issued to contributors in  (a) the Eastbourne constituency or  (b) England. This level of detail is not held and would be available only at disproportionate cost.

National Insurance Contributions

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many letters relating to non-payment of national insurance contributions sent to contributors in the 2004-05 tax year were sent in error.

Dawn Primarolo: This information is not held.

National Insurance Contributions

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Deficiency Notice letters from HM Revenue and Customs have been sent since 25 May 2006 to workers who under the proposed pensions reforms had already amassed 30 years of national insurance contributions.

Dawn Primarolo: HM Revenue and Customs has issued 4.7 million Deficiency Notice letters between 11 September 2006 and 25 January 2007 for the 2004-05 tax year. It is not possible to determine how many of these letters were sent to contributors who already had 30 years of national insurance contributions.

National Insurance Contributions

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the refund of voluntary national insurance contributions paid since 25 May 2006 will be effected; and what estimate he has made of the total cost of such refunds.

Dawn Primarolo: HM Revenue and Customs are working on the detailed policy and administrative arrangements to handle claims for refunds for those individuals who have continued to make voluntary national insurance contributions since 25 May 2006, but would have chosen not to do so had they been aware of the Government's intention to reduce the number of qualifying years required for a full basic state pension to 30. It is not possible to estimate the cost of refunds because the amounts will depend on the number of people who apply.

Olympic Games: Greater London

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a representative of his Department attended the selection interviews held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in October 2005 for the contract for the Olympics cost review.

John Healey: HM Treasury was not represented at the selection interviews held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in October 2005 for the contract for the Olympics cost review.

Olympic Games: Greater London

Don Foster: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to use funds from dormant bank accounts for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Edward Balls: There is no connection whatsoever between the Olympics and the intended use of dormant account funds.

Personal Income

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average household income was in  (a) Eastbourne,  (b) East Sussex,  (c) the south-east and (d) the UK in the last year for which figures are available.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 19 February 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what the average household income was in (a) Eastbourne, (b) East Sussex, (c) the South East and (d) the UK in the last year for which figures are available (120557).
	Estimates of average household income for the UK and for the regions are produced from household surveys. There is generally much less information about household income at a local level since the sample size of a national survey is insufficient to produce reliable estimates for small areas.
	Estimates of average household income for the UK are published in the ONS analysis 'The effects of taxes and benefits on household income'. The latest analysis for 2004/05 was published on the National Statistics website on 12th May 2006 at http://www.statistics.gov.uk/taxesbenefits, which also includes links to figures for previous years. The analysis is based on data from the Expenditure and Food Survey (EPS), which is a sample survey covering approximately 7,000 households in the UK. An estimate for the South-East can also be derived from the data underlying this analysis.
	Using this source, for the financial year 2004/05, the average equivalised disposable household income for the UK was 23,350, while the figure for the South-East was 26,538.
	The ONS has also published estimates of household income for wards for 2001/02 only. These estimates are based on a statistical model and are experimental statisticsthis means they have been developed in accordance with the principles set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice but have yet to be fully accredited as National Statistics.
	These ward based estimates have been used to produce an estimate of average equivalised household income for East Sussex and Eastbourne for 2001/02, as a weighted average of the estimates for the wards making up these areas. These average incomes are 21,495 for East Sussex, and 20,303 for Eastbourne.
	It should be remembered that the estimates for East Sussex and Eastbourne are produced using a different method to that used for the South-East and UK figures, and so the two sets of figures are not directly comparable. There is more uncertainty surrounding the estimates for East Sussex and Eastbourne.
	All the household incomes shown here are equivalised. This means that they are standardised to take into account the different size and composition of households. The standard household is deemed to be a two adult household with no children, and so an equivalised income can be interpreted as indicating a standard of living that would be achieved by a standard household with that income. All the estimates are net of income tax, national insurance contributions, and council tax.

Personal Income

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the net income would be of  (a) a single parent and  (b) a married couple with one earner on (i) one half of average earnings, (ii) two-thirds of average earnings and (iii) average earnings paying the same rent, assuming that each is entitled to (A) working tax credit, (B) child tax credit, (C) child benefit, (D) housing benefit and (E) council tax benefit.

Dawn Primarolo: The net income of a single parent or a married couple with one child
	(i) on one-half median earnings would be 282 per week;
	(ii) on two-thirds median earnings would be 305 per week;
	(iii) on median earnings would be 373 per week.

Planning Gain Supplement

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the likely effect on capital gains tax revenues of the introduction of Planning Gain Supplement.

John Healey: The amount of revenue from a Planning-Gain Supplement (PGS) and any consequential changes in revenue from related taxes will depend on decisions on its rate and scope. PGS will be set at a modest rate to help finance additional infrastructure whilst preserving incentives to bring land forward for development.

Poverty

Mike Hancock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many older people in the UK are living below the agreed EU definition of poverty; and what the figures are for other EU member states.

Jim Murphy: I have been asked to reply.
	Specific information regarding relative low income for pensioners is available in the latest publication of the 'Households Below Average Income 1994-95 to 2004-05'. The threshold of below 60 per cent. of relative or contemporary median income is the most commonly used in reporting trends in low income. Latest national figures for pensioners relate to 2004-05 and show the risk of low income for pensioners, after housing costs have been accounted for, of 17 per cent.
	According to the EU definition, 24 per cent. of people aged 65 and over in the UK are at risk of poverty in 2004. This is down from 32 per cent. in 1995. Thus the number of elderly at risk of poverty in the UK, according to the EU definition, has fallen by around 650,000 in less than a decade.
	While the EU25 average stands at 18 per cent., there is a wide variation in the risk of poverty across member states, from 52 per cent. in Cyprus and 40 per cent. in Ireland to 4 per cent. in the Czech Republic and 6 per cent. in Luxembourg. The following table presents the latest available data on the risk of poverty of people aged 65 and over.
	It should be noted that the EU measure of poverty differs from that generally adopted in the UK, mainly on account of it being restricted to persons aged 65 and over (while the national measure takes into account all pensionersincluding women aged 60 to 64), and also because it does not take into account housing costs.
	
		
			   Percentage of population 65+ 
			 Austria 17 
			 Belgium 21 
			 Cyprus 52 
			 Czech Republic 4 
			 Denmark 17 
			 Estonia 17 
			 Finland 17 
			 France 16 
			 Germany 16 
			 Greece 28 
			 Hungary 10 
			 Ireland 40 
			 Italy 16 
			 Latvia 14 
			 Lithuania 12.2 
			 Luxembourg 6 
			 Malta 20 
			 Netherlands 7 
			 Poland 6 
			 Portugal 29 
			 Slovak Republic 13 
			 Slovenia 19 
			 Spain 30 
			 Sweden 14 
			 UK 24 
			 EU25 18 
			  Notes: The agreed EU definition of the risk of poverty among the elderly is the proportion of people aged 65 and over with an equivalised income of less than 60 per cent. of the overall median equivalised income.  Source: SILC (2004, income data 2003) for Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Austria, Portugal, Finland and Sweden and for other member states national sources, income data also from 2003 (except Germany, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, 2002 and Malta 2001)

Prisoners

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what forecasts of the expected rise in the prison population his Department relied on in discussions with the Home Office on prison funding prior to 22 March 2006.

Stephen Timms: The Home Office produces regular projections of the prison population which are published as National Statistics. Past prison population projections are available on the Home Office website at:
	homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/nomsproj.html

Public Sector: Consultants

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate  (a) his Department and  (b) the Office of Government Commerce has made of the annual cost of external consultants in the public sector.

John Healey: Neither the OGC nor the Treasury holds central information on public sector consultancy spend. The recent NAO report central Government's use of consultants has estimated that total public sector spend on consultancy is around 2.8 billion.

Revenue and Customs: Manpower

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many HM Revenue and Customs officers are deployed at entry points to the UK.

Dawn Primarolo: As at 1 January 2007, HMRC deployed approximately 4,500 frontline operational staff at entry points to the UK.

Smuggling: Fuels

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were prosecuted in relation to activities associated with the operation of illegal fuel laundering plants in Northern Ireland during 2006; and how many were convicted.

John Healey: Four people were convicted in relation to hydrocarbon fuels fraud in Northern Ireland during 2005-06. The figure is for all hydrocarbon oils fraud, including activities relating to laundering plants. The 2006-07 figures will be published in the HMRC Annual Report later this year.

Social Security Benefits: Overseas Residence

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been paid in  (a) child benefit,  (b) child tax credit and  (c) guardian's allowance to parents in respect of children living in (i) Poland, (ii) the Czech Republic, (iii) Estonia, (iv) Hungary, (v) Latvia, (vi) Lithuania, (vii) Slovakia and (viii) Slovenia in the last year for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: The information requested on payments could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Staff Magazine

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library copies of the last 12 editions of his Department's staff magazine.

John Healey: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 5 February 2007,  Official Report, column 737W.

Stamp Duty

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 24 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1856W, what the evidential basis was for his estimate that over half of all first time home buyers are exempt from stamp duty.

Edward Balls: Based on HMRC administrative data from 2005-06, very slightly under half (around 48 per cent.) of all residential transactions do not bear stamp duty as a consequence of falling under the lowest stamp duty land tax price threshold or of benefiting from disadvantaged area relief.
	Due to the significantly lower price profile of properties bought by first time buyers, compared to all residential transactions, it is therefore estimated that the percentage of residential transactions involving first time buyers in 2005-06 which are not liable to stamp duty land tax is higher than 50 per cent.

Taxation

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were working in the indirect taxes team in each of the last six months.

John Healey: HM Treasury does not have an indirect taxes team.

Taxation: Gaming Clubs

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of future tax revenues from the gaming industry for the next five years.

John Healey: Revenue forecasts were set out in the Financial Statement and Budget Report and updated in the pre-Budget report.

Taxation: National Lottery

Don Foster: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what recent estimates his Department has made of the effect on  (a) prize levels,  (b) good causes revenue and  (c) taxation revenues of a change to the taxation regime for the National Lottery from Lottery Duty to Gross Profits Taxation;
	(2)  how much revenue was raised from Lottery Duty in each year since the creation of the National Lottery in  (a) cash terms and  (b) real terms; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: Revenues from gambling taxes are published in the HM Revenue and Customs Betting, Gaming and Lottery Duties Bulletin, available at:
	http://www.uktradeinfo.com/index.cfm?task=bullbett
	PBR 2005 announced the conclusion to the review of gambling taxation, which began in 2004. We concluded that the current taxation regimes are generally working well and that maintaining stability in the overall structure of taxation is desirable in a period of transition. In these circumstances the Government decided to maintain the current system of duty on the National Lottery.

Taxation: Pensions

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the HM Revenue and Customs announcement of 24 January Employers: The Tax and National Insurance Treatment of Employer Cash Inducement Payments to Pension Scheme Members, how many employers have been advised by HM Revenue and Customs, based in past interpretation of the law, that inducement payments would not be subject to tax and national insurance; and if he will estimate how much extra tax and national insurance would have been due on such payments in each of the last two financial years if the interpretation of the law set out in that announcement had been applied.

Edward Balls: Under HMRC's past interpretation, the position in a particular case would depend entirely on the particular facts and circumstances of the case. HMRC do not hold a central record of all the cases in which advice has been given. On current information HMRC estimates that in a small number of cases it gave advice, based on its past interpretation of the law, that payments were not taxable.
	Information is not held centrally on which an estimate of the tax and national insurance that would have been due had HMRC applied its view of the law as announced on 24 January 2006.

Taxpayers

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many adults in the UK paid  (a) income tax and  (b) national insurance contributions in the most recent year for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many adults in the UK paid national insurance contributions and not income tax in 2005-06.

Dawn Primarolo: Estimates of UK taxpayers are published in table 3.3 'Distribution of total income before and after tax by gender' on HM Revenue and Customs website at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_distribution/menu-by-year.htm#31.
	Estimates of the number of people who paid national insurance contributions during the tax year can be found in table CQY 1.0 'Number of people who paid National Insurance Contributions during the tax year by type of contribution' on the Department for Work and Pensions website at:
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/dsu/contsandqualify/Conts_and_Qual_Years_tables05.xls.
	It is not possible to provide an estimate of the number of people in the UK who paid national insurance contributions but not income tax except at a disproportionate cost.

Trade Unions

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department or its agencies have provided funding to individual trade unions in the last three years.

John Healey: In common with other departments, the Chancellor's departments provide facilities time to elected departmental trade union officials to work on union business while being paid by the department. Office space and equipment is also provided. No grant funding has been provided to individual trade unions in the last three years.

Unemployment: Leeds

George Mudie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of working age people in Leeds East constituency were unemployed on 1 May in each year since 1997.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Colin Mowl, dated 19 February 2007:
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what percentage of working age people in Leeds East constituency were unemployed on 1st May in each year since 1997. I am replying in her absence. (120723).
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles statistics of unemployment from the annual local area Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation definitions.
	Table 1, attached, shows the number of unemployed of working age, and as a proportion of the resident population of working age, resident in the Leeds East constituency for the 12 months ending in February from 1997 to 2004 from the annual local area LFS and for the 12 months ending in March 2005 and 2006 from the APS.
	As these estimates are for a subset of the population in a small geographical area, they are based on very small sample sizes, and are therefore subject to large margins of uncertainty. In this case, the sample sizes are not sufficient to give an accurate estimate of even the direction of the change over the period.
	ONS also compiles statistics for local areas of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). Table 2, attached, shows the number of people resident in the Leeds East constituency claiming JSA in May from 1997 to 2006. The table also includes these figures expressed as a proportion of the resident working-age population.
	
		
			  Table 1: Working-age( 1)  unemployment in the Leeds East parliamentary constituency 
			  12 months ending  Level (Thousand)  Percentage( 2) 
			 February 1997 3 7.8 
			 February 1998 3 5.8 
			 February 1999 3 7.0 
			 February 2000 3 6.8 
			 February 2001 2 3.5 
			 February 2002 2 5.0 
			 February 2003 3 6.3 
			 February 2004 2 3.7 
			 March 2005 1 2.2 
			 March 2006 5 9.3 
			 (1) Working age is defined as males aged 16 to 64 and females aged 16 to 59.  (2) The number of unemployed of working age expressed as a percentage of the resident population of working age.   Note:  1. Estimates are subject to sampling variability.  2. Changes in the estimates over time should be treated with particular caution.   Source:  Annual local area Labour Force Survey; Annual Population Survey. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Claimants of jobseeker's allowance in the Leeds East parliamentary constituency 
			  May  Level  Proportion( 1)  (Percentage) 
			 1997 3,974 8.5 
			 1998 3,381 7.2 
			 1999 3,055 6.5 
			 2000 2,693 5.8 
			 2001 2,396 5.1 
			 2002 2,308 4.9 
			 2003 2,224 4.8 
			 2004 1,956 4.2 
			 2005 2,174 4.7 
			 2006 2,563 5.5 
			 (1) Number of claimants expressed as a percentage of the resident working age population based on 2001 Census data adjusted to be consistent with 2001 mid-year population estimates for local authorities.   Source:  Jobcentre Plus administrative data

Unemployment: Young People

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the unemployment levels of 18 to 24-year-olds not in full-time education were in each quarter since 1979.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Colin Mowl, dated 19 February 2007:
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the levels of unemployed people aged 18 to 24 who were not in full-time education in each quarter since 1979.1 am replying in her absence. (121456)
	The attached table gives estimates of unemployed people aged 18 to 24 who were not in full-time education in each quarter since the second quarter of 1992. Comparable estimates are not available for earlier periods. These estimates are seasonally adjusted. They are published each month in Table 14 of the Labour Market Statistics First Release available on the ONS website:-
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_labour/LMS_FR_HS/WebTablel4sa.xls
	Estimates are taken from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty.
	
		
			  Unemployed people aged 18 to 24 who are not in full-time education by gender, 1992 to 2006, United Kingdom, seasonally adjusted 
			  Thousand 
			   All persons  Males  Females 
			 1992
			 Quarter 2 672 444 228 
			 Quarter 3 675 444 231 
			 Quarter 4 716 468 247 
			 
			 1993
			 Quarter 1 741 489 252 
			 Quarter 2 724 468 257 
			 Quarter 3 681 456 226 
			 Quarter 4 682 450 232 
			 
			 1994
			 Quarter 1 637 414 223 
			 Quarter 2 615 405 210 
			 Quarter 3 613 401 212 
			 Quarter 4 576 372 204 
			 
			 1995
			 Quarter 1 556 356 200 
			 Quarter 2 532 346 185 
			 Quarter 3 537 331 205 
			 Quarter 4 506 320 187 
			 
			 1996
			 Quarter 1 510 334 176 
			 Quarter 2 498 324 173 
			 Quarter 3 482 310 172 
			 Quarter 4 470 301 170 
			 
			 1997
			 Quarter 1 439 279 160 
			 Quarter 2 414 259 155 
			 Quarter 3 403 258 145 
			 Quarter 4 377 235 143 
			 
			 1998
			 Quarter 1 373 226 147 
			 Quarter 2 367 224 143 
			 Quarter 3 368 231 137 
			 Quarter 4 377 232 144 
			 
			 1999
			 Quarter 1 350 220 130 
			 Quarter 2 349 218 131 
			 Quarter 3 330 199 131 
			 Quarter 4 327 200 128 
			 
			 2000
			 Quarter 1 332 197 135 
			 Quarter 2 330 205 126 
			 Quarter 3 316 181 135 
			 Quarter 4 318 189 129 
			 
			 2001
			 Quarter 1 317 199 118 
			 Quarter 2 315 188 127 
			 Quarter 3 313 201 112 
			 Quarter 4 351 217 135 
			 
			 2002
			 Quarter 1 344 210 133 
			 Quarter 2 327 210 117 
			 Quarter 3 326 209 117 
			 Quarter 4 316 199 117 
			 
			 2003
			 Quarter 1 347 211 136 
			 Quarter 2 327 203 124 
			 Quarter 3 330 204 126 
			 Quarter 4 314 194 120 
			 2004
			 Quarter 1 317 197 120 
			 Quarter 2 324 193 131 
			 Quarter 3 340 199 141 
			 Quarter 4 349 213 136 
			 
			 2005
			 Quarter 1 339 213 126 
			 Quarter 2 359 218 141 
			 Quarter 3 368 235 133 
			 Quarter 4 393 245 148 
			 
			 2006
			 Quarter 1 384 236 149 
			 Quarter 2 429 263 167 
			 Quarter 3 434 270 164 
			  Source: ONS Labour Force Survey (LFS)

Unemployment: Young People

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the economic inactivity levels were for 18 to 24-year-olds who were not in full-time education in each quarter since 1979.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 19 February 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the levels of economically inactive people aged 18 to 24 who were not in full-time education in each quarter since 1979. (121457)
	The attached table gives estimates of inactive people aged 18 to 24 who were not in full-time education in each quarter since the second quarter of 1992. Comparable estimates are not available for earlier periods. These estimates are seasonally adjusted. They are published each month in Table 14 of the Labour Market Statistics First Release available on the ONS website at:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_labour/LMS_FR_HS/WebTablel4sa.xls
	Estimates are taken from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty.
	
		
			  Inactive people aged 18 to 24 who were not in full-time education by gender, 1992 to 2006, United Kingdom, seasonally adjusted 
			  Thousand 
			   All persons  Males  Females 
			 1992
			 Quarter 2 691 143 548 
			 Quarter 3 632 122 511 
			 Quarter 4 648 134 514 
			 
			 1993
			 Quarter 1 636 130 506 
			 Quarter 2 652 140 511 
			 Quarter 3 641 142 499 
			 Quarter 4 631 133 497 
			 1994
			 Quarter 1 626 134 492 
			 Quarter 2 612 127 485 
			 Quarter 3 622 129 493 
			 Quarter 4 613 119 494 
			 
			 1995
			 Quarter 1 608 119 489 
			 Quarter 2 588 114 474 
			 Quarter 3 571 127 444 
			 Quarter 4 586 131 455 
			 
			 1996
			 Quarter 1 567 120 447 
			 Quarter 2 565 130 434 
			 Quarter 3 558 124 434 
			 Quarter 4 557 130 427 
			 
			 1997
			 Quarter 1 543 125 418 
			 Quarter 2 498 101 397 
			 Quarter 3 493 103 390 
			 Quarter 4 482 105 377 
			 
			 1998
			 Quarter 1 488 99 389 
			 Quarter 2 499 105 394 
			 Quarter 3 453 88 365 
			 Quarter 4 472 103 369 
			 
			 1999
			 Quarter 1 462 100 361 
			 Quarter 2 484 102 382 
			 Quarter 3 491 113 378 
			 Quarter 4 506 120 386 
			 
			 2000
			 Quarter 1 507 116 390 
			 Quarter 2 506 123 383 
			 Quarter 3 505 134 370 
			 Quarter 4 519 122 397 
			 
			 2001
			 Quarter 1 518 129 389 
			 Quarter 2 492 114 378 
			 Quarter 3 513 116 397 
			 Quarter 4 495 125 370 
			 
			 2002
			 Quarter 1 509 133 376 
			 Quarter 2 529 143 386 
			 Quarter 3 532 144 388 
			 Quarter 4 536 133 403 
			 
			 2003
			 Quarter 1 547 139 408 
			 Quarter 2 557 138 419 
			 Quarter 3 554 145 409 
			 Quarter 4 569 150 419 
			 
			 2004
			 Quarter 1 540 140 399 
			 Quarter 2 563 143 420 
			 Quarter 3 586 164 422 
			 Quarter 4 584 166 418 
			 
			 2005
			 Quarter 1 582 160 422 
			 Quarter 2 598 173 425 
			 Quarter 3 592 170 421 
			 Quarter 4 610 178 432 
			 
			 2006
			 Quarter 1 617 181 435 
			 Quarter 2 598 184 414 
			 Quarter 3 599 166 433 
			  Source: ONS Labour Force Survey (LFS)

Valuation Office Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Valuation Office Agency operates an incentive scheme for staff to meet targets.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to the hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs. Spelman) on 23 March 2006,  Official Report, column 506W and the reply given to the hon. Member on 3 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1725W.

Valuation Office Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what targets have been set for the Valuation Office Agency.

Dawn Primarolo: The Valuation Office Agency's key business objectives and targets are set out in detail in the agency's forward plan, available on its website at:
	www.voa.gov.uk

Valuation Office Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of the  (a) presentation,  (b) handout and  (c) speech made by the Valuation Office Agency representative to the Korea Appraisal Board's International Conference on The Present and Future of the Real Estate Tax Assessment System in October 2005.

Dawn Primarolo: A copy of the relevant presentation has been placed in the Library of the House. There was no handout provided.

Valuation Office Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of the  (a) presentation,  (b) handout and  (c) speech made by the Valuation Office Agency representative to the International Co-operative Banking Association Commercial Forum in London on 4 October 2006.

Dawn Primarolo: It is assumed the reference is to the Institution of Commercial and Business Agents Forum (ICBA). A copy of the presentation has been placed in the Library. There was no handout provided.

Valuation Office Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the meetings the Valuation Office Agency has had with representatives of Scottish Assessors in the last 24 months.

Dawn Primarolo: The Valuation Office Agency met representatives from the Scottish Assessors Association on 17 May, 8 November 2005, 8 May, 8 November 2006 and 27 January 2007.

Valuation Office Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 30 November 2006,  Official Report, column 845W, on the Valuation Office Agency, what the cost was of each foreign visit made by Valuation Office Agency staff in the last 12 months; how many staff attended each; what the purposes was of each visit; and what the name was of each conference attended.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 26 January 2007,  Official Report, column 2134W.

Valuation Office Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what payments the Valuation Office Agency is making to the firm CLT to finance research and development of applying an automated valuation model for business rate valuations.

Dawn Primarolo: The Valuation Office Agency is not making payments to the firm CLT.

Valuation Office Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for how long the Valuation Office Agency has published an in-house staff magazine; how often the magazine is published; and what the cost of the publication was in each year since its inception.

Dawn Primarolo: The Valuation Office Agency has published an in-house staff magazine since October 1992. On average it has appeared three times a year. Publication costs prior to August 2005 can be obtained only at a disproportionate cost. Costs for the production of the magazine based on year of publication since August 2005 are:
	20053,228 (1 issue)
	200611,134 (3 issues)

VAT: Housing

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what consideration he has given to extending the scope of the 5 per cent. VAT reduction on the installation of energy saving materials in residential accommodation to include A, B and C-rated windows; what discussions he has had with representatives of the glazing industry on this issue; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate his Department has made of the effect on  (a) energy use,  (b) carbon emissions and  (c) the size of householders' energy bills of extending the scope of the 5 per cent. VAT reduction on the installation of energy saving materials in residential accommodation to include A, B and C-rated windows;
	(3)  what estimate his Department has made of the cost of extending the scope of the 5 per cent. VAT reduction on the installation of energy saving materials in residential accommodation to include A, B and C-rated windows.

Dawn Primarolo: The Government carefully consider all representations for changes to the VAT system. All taxes are kept under review and any changes are announced by the Chancellor as part of the Budget process.
	To date, VAT reduced rates have been applied only in respect of goods and services where we consider that a reduction in the rate of VAT is consistent with our EU VAT agreements, and provides the best-targeted and most efficient support for our social objectives, when considered against alternative policy instruments.
	At this early stage in the development and use of the British Fenestration Rating Council's (BFRC's) window energy rating system, neither HMRC nor HMT hold detailed estimates of the impact of a VAT reduction for the installation of A, B and C-rated windows. This impact will depend upon a variety of factors, including the number of manufacturers using the BFRC's window energy rating system, the number of A, B and C-rated windows in the market, the design and price of these windows, and the sales that they achieved.
	Ministers and officials meet a wide variety of individuals and organisations in the public and private sector to discuss a variety of issues as part of the normal process of policy analysis and development. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's normal practice to provide details of all such meetings.

Welfare Tax Credits: Complaints

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many complaints from HM Revenue and Customs staff about the tax credits system have been recorded in the last 12 months.

Dawn Primarolo: The information is not available.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Adoption: Religion

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations she has received from  (a) Jewish and  (b) Muslim community representatives on the effect of the implementation of the Equality Act 2006 on Jewish and Muslim adoption agencies; and if she will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: holding answer 5 February 2007
	Representations received by the Secretary of State from Jewish and Muslim community representatives on the effect of commencing the Religion or Belief provisions contained in Part 2 of the Equality Act 2006, and of introducing Sexual Orientation Regulations under Part 3 of the Equality Act 2006, did not refer to the impact of these provisions on faith-based adoption agencies.
	On 29 January, the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Ruth Kelly) made statements setting out the position on adoption agencies and the proposed Sexual Orientation Regulations. Copies of those statements are available in the House Library.

Airfields

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what level of protection is given to airfields in Planning Policy StatementHousing; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: National planning policy fully protects both existing and potential airfield sites from development, where it is appropriate to do so.
	Policy in relation to the definition of previously developed land, including land that is either an existing or former airfield, is precisely the same in new Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 3, Housing, as it was under Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) note 3.
	PPS3 asks local planning authorities to give priority to the development of previously developed land where such land is in a location suitable for housing development. But it states in clear terms that there is no presumption that land is suitable for housing simply because it is on previously developed land.
	In addition, PPG 13, Transport, makes it clear that local planning authorities should consider identifying and, where appropriate, protecting existing and potential airfield sites (including disused sites) for aviation purposes, alongside any other planning considerations, when allocating sites in plans or considering proposals for development.

Antisocial Behaviour: Tenants

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many tenants in England and Wales had possession proceedings issued against them in each of the last three years in efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Yvette Cooper: Communities and Local Government has asked local authority landlords in England to submit data of tenants subject to possession proceedings on antisocial behaviour grounds in England for 2005-06. While data have been returned it is not considered to be of reliable quality in this first year of data collection. We are working to address these issues and will have a clearer view for 2006-07. We do not collect equivalent data for the private rented sector.
	The Housing Corporation have asked registered social landlords in England to submit data on the numbers of evictions carried out because of antisocial behaviour since 2004-05. The following data do not include cases where landlords brought forward possession cases on more than one ground (for example because of antisocial behaviour and rent arrears) or evictions under a demoted tenancy.
	
		
			   Number of evictions on antisocial behaviour grounds 
			 2004-05 1,516 
			 2005-06 1,656 
			  Source:  Annual Housing Corporation Regulatory Statistical Returns 
		
	
	Information about possession proceedings obtained against tenants of social landlords in Wales is collected on an annual basis on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government by the Local Government Data Unit Wales.

Arms Length Management Organisations: Enfield

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the reason is for the time taken for Enfield Homes to receive the grant to set up the arm's length management organisation in the Borough of Enfield.

Yvette Cooper: We had a large number of bids for Round 6. These have to be considered to ensure value for money and that they operate within budgets, and that work is still in progress.

ATMs

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will introduce an exemption for business rates for automatic telling machines in rural areas.

Phil Woolas: We have no such plans. Business rates are within the scope of Sir Michael Lyons's independent inquiry into local government funding.

Bus Services: Chorley and Coventry

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what additional grant was given to Chorley borough council to cover the free local bus travel scheme.

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was provided to Coventry city council for the free local bus travel scheme.

Phil Woolas: I refer my hon. Friends to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 26 January 2007,  Official Report, column 2098W.

Chorley Borough Council

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was awarded to Chorley borough council in Government grants in each of the last three years.

Phil Woolas: The information requested is tabled as follows.
	
		
			million 
			 2003-04 7.6 
			 2004-05 7.1 
			 2005-06 7.9 
			  Source:  Communities and Local Government Revenue Outturn Summary (RS) returns 
		
	
	This information is not adjusted for changes in finance or function and it is not possible to make like- for-like comparisons between years. For example, from 2004-05 onwards, local authorities were no longer required to make a contribution towards the funding of Rent Allowance Payments, Non-Housing Revenue Account Rent Rebates and Council Tax Benefit. This expenditure was funded wholly by direct subsidy from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The apparent reduction in the revenue grant allocated to Chorley borough council between 2003-04 and 2004-05 simply reflects this change in financing. The council received an increase in formula grant on a like-for-like basis of 5.0 per cent. in 2004-05 and 5.7 per cent. in 2005-06.
	Revenue funding includes all grants inside Aggregate External Finance (AEF) (i.e. revenue grants for councils' core services), and includes formula grant (revenue support grant and redistributed business rates) and all specific grants.
	The figures exclude grants outside AEF (i.e. where funding is not for an authority's core services, but is passed to a third party, for example, as in the case of mandatory student awards), capital grants, funding for local authorities' housing management responsibilities and those grant programmes (such as European funding) where authorities are simply one of the recipients of funding paid towards an area.

Contracts

Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when she intends to announce the arrangements for round 6 of arm's-length management organisations.

Yvette Cooper: We had a large number of bids for round 6. Consideration of these bids is still in progress.

Council Housing: Property Transfer

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the total amount of gap funding for housing transfers was in each of the last six years; and what estimate she has made for 2007-08.

Yvette Cooper: Gap funding payments by the Department to registered social landlords to support large-scale voluntary transfers commenced in 2004-05. In that year payments totalled 7.65 million. In 2005-06 grant payments of 3.88 million were made.
	In 2006-07 we expect to make payments of up to 34 million. For 2007-08 our current estimate is 100 million.

Council Tax

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what progress has been made on her Department's review of guidance to local authorities on the secondary use of personal information for the collection and administration of council tax.

Phil Woolas: Work on guidance on data sharing for those working in and with revenues departments in local authorities is ongoing, with a view to publishing a short document in the spring.

Council Tax

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will list in descending order the ratio of council tax to budget requirement for each county council and metropolitan borough.

Phil Woolas: The ratio of council tax to budget requirement for each county council and metropolitan borough in 2006-07 is shown in descending order in the table as follows.
	
		
			   Ratio 
			 Dorset 0.84 
			 Surrey 0.82 
			 West Sussex 0.80 
			 Buckinghamshire 0.80 
			 Hampshire 0.78 
			 Cheshire 0.74 
			 Hertfordshire 0.74 
			 Warwickshire 0.72 
			 North Yorkshire 0.72 
			 Wiltshire 0.72 
			 Worcestershire 0.72 
			 East Sussex 0.72 
			 Leicestershire 0.72 
			 Oxfordshire 0.71 
			 Bedfordshire 0.71 
			 Essex 0.71 
			 Devon 0.69 
			 Gloucestershire 0.68 
			 Somerset 0.68 
			 Staffordshire 0.68 
			 Kent 0.68 
			 Nottinghamshire 0.68 
			 Cambridgeshire 0.66 
			 Suffolk 0.65 
			 Derbyshire 0.64 
			 Shropshire 0.64 
			 Norfolk 0.63 
			 Lancashire 0.63 
			 Stockport 0.62 
			 Cumbria 0.62 
			 Solihull 0.62 
			 Northamptonshire 0.61 
			 Lincolnshire 0.60 
			 Northumberland 0.59 
			 Cornwall 0.58 
			 Trafford 0.54 
			 Bury 0.53 
			 Durham 0.51 
			 Calderdale 0.51 
			 Kirklees 0.51 
			 Sefton 0.49 
			 North Tyneside 0.48 
			 Wigan 0.48 
			 Dudley 0.48 
			 Wirral 0.47 
			 Leeds 0.46 
			 Bolton 0.46 
			 Walsall 0.45 
			 Rotherham 0.45 
			 Wakefield 0.45 
			 St. Helens 0.44 
			 Oldham 0.44 
			 Tameside 0.44 
			 Barnsley 0.44 
			 Coventry 0.44 
			 Gateshead 0.43 
			 Rochdale 0.43 
			 Sheffield 0.41 
			 Salford 0.41 
			 Doncaster 0.40 
			 Wolverhampton 0.39 
			 South Tyneside 0.39 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 0.38 
			 Sunderland 0.38 
			 Sandwell 0.38 
			 Bradford 0.38 
			 Birmingham 0.34 
			 Liverpool 0.34 
			 Knowsley 0.30 
			 Manchester 0.29 
			  Source:  Communities and Local Government Budget Requirement (BR) returns 
		
	
	Council tax requirement is the amount calculated by billing and local precepting authorities under section 97(1) of the 1988 Act to be transferred from the collection fund to the General Fund (except where the amount calculated is negative, in which case it is the amount to be transferred from the General Fund to the collection fund).
	Budget requirement is the amount calculated by billing authorities and both major and local precepting authorities, in advance of each year, to be the estimated net revenue expenditure allowing for movement in reserves.

Council Tax: Renewable Energy

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what effect the addition of  (a) solar panels,  (b) micro wind turbines,  (c) double glazing and  (d) cavity wall insulation has on the council tax banding of a property.

Phil Woolas: Council tax bands are based on property values in April 1991. Adding any of these items will have no effect on the current council tax banding of a property. If a property is subsequently sold any improvements may have an effect, but only if they are such that they push the value of the property into the next band range. Any of the above improvements are, in isolation, unlikely to result in a banding increase.

Council Tax: Valuation

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what use her Department makes of automated valuation techniques.

Phil Woolas: None.

Council Tax: Valuation

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the annual percentage change in average Band D council tax was in England in real terms in each year since its introduction.

Phil Woolas: The real terms average percentage increases in band D, two-adult council tax in England in each year since the introduction of council tax are shown in the following table.
	
		
			   Percentage real term increase 
			 1994-95 -0.4 
			 1995-96 1.6 
			 1996-97 3.6 
			 1997-98 4.0 
			 1998-99 4.4 
			 1999-2000 5.1 
			 2000-01 3.1 
			 2001-02 4.5 
			 2002-03 6.7 
			 2003-04 9.5 
			 2004-05 3.3 
			 2005-06 0.8 
			 2006-07 1.9 
		
	
	The figures are calculated from data reported by local authorities on BR1, BR2 and BR3 forms and have been adjusted using the all-items retail prices index (RPI) as at April each year.

Departmental Expenditure: Pendle

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what expenditure is planned to be carried out in Pendle by her Department in the years up to 2010; and if she will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: Pendle have been allocated 1,960,942 in Neighbourhood Renewal Funding for the financial years of 2006-07 and 2007-08 and 65,360 in Community Empowerment Network (CEN) funding this financial year.
	As of 1 April 2007 Pendle will receive 100,000 for the first year of the Preventing Violent Extremism Delivery Fund. The amount of funding that will be received in the second and third years of the programme is subject to the Comprehensive Spending Review.
	Pendle also receives annual capital funding for housing purposes from the Department: in 2006-07, the latest year for which full figures are currently available, funding amounted to 3.5 million. In addition Housing Corporation funding specifically for the provision of affordable housing in Pendle from 2006 to 2008 is 844,800. Pendle also received an allocation of 183,000 for 2007-08 through the Disabled Facilities Grant programme.
	Pendle also benefits from the allocation 94.9 million made available to Elevate East Lancashire Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder through the Housing Market Renewal programme which was launched in February 2003 as part of Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future. Funding is allocated every two years and the programme is expected to last for 10 to 15 years. Future funding will be decided in subsequent spending reviews. Pendle will also benefit from being part of the successful Pennine-Lancashire (Pendle, Hyndburn, Burnley and Blackburn with Darwen) Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) Round 2 bid. Total funding for the Pennine-Lancashire Local Enterprise Growth Initiative Round 2 bid is 23,400,000 until 31 March 2010.

Departments: Assets

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which fixed assets her Department sold for 10,000 or less in  (a) 2004-05 and  (b) 2005-06; and what the (i) sale value, (ii) purchaser and (iii) date of sale was of each asset.

Angela Smith: A table has been placed in the Library of the House showing the fixed assets that were sold by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for 10,000 or less in 2004-05 and 2005-06.

Departments: Freedom of Information

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on how many occasions special advisers have been consulted in replying to Freedom of Information requests to her Department; and what her Department's policy is on the role of special advisers in the answering of Freedom of Information requests.

Angela Smith: Special advisers carry out their duties in accordance with the requirements of the Code of conduct for special advisers. Communities and Local Government does not keep such records relating to special advisers. Regarding the Department's policy on the role of special advisers in the answering of Freedom of Information requests, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs. Spelman) on 28 November 2006,  Official Report, column 533W.

Departments: Labour Turnover

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether her Department or its predecessors commissioned  (a) the company Talent Drain and  (b) another company to examine staff turnover in her Department.

Angela Smith: Neither the Department, nor its predecessor, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, has commissioned any companies to examine turnover of staff.

Energy Performance Certificates

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether  (a) local authorities with housing stock and  (b) housing associations will be compensated under her Department's New Burdens Principle for the requirement by 2009 to pay for energy performance certificates before they can let a domestic property.

Yvette Cooper: The requirement in the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive to make energy performance certificates available when buildings are constructed, sold or rented out will impact on local authorities and housing associations in the same way as it will on other property owners. The indicative costs and benefits falling upon local authorities and housing associations will form part of the Regulatory Impact Assessment.

Energy-saving Design

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will estimate the percentage of planning consents granted for public buildings in the past 12 months which incorporated design measures for energy-saving and energy-producing; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: Planning application statistics do not record this information and could not do so at a reasonable cost to central or local government.
	Central Government Departments are covered by targets for the sustainable management of their estate. New targets, launched in June 2006 by the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Shields (David Miliband), cover both energy efficiency and carbon emissions(1) and will encourage the adoption of sustainable energy technologies in Departments' buildings. The Government's forthcoming response to the Sustainable Procurement Task Force Action Plan will add further impetus in this area.
	Energy performance certificates for display purposes will be a requirement for all public buildings by January 2009 at the latest. In addition to the display certificates, all buildings will require an energy performance certificate when built, sold or let by January 2009.
	(1) See http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/government/estates/targets.htm for further detail

Engagements

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if the Minister for Local Government will list his official engagements from 26 October 2006 to 25 January 2007.

Phil Woolas: The information is as follows.
	
		
			   Date 
			 Visit to Alresford; Southampton; and Winchester 26 October 2006 
			 Meeting with Lambeth council 30 October2006 
			 Meeting with the British Chambers of Commerce 31 October 2006 
			 Meeting with UNISON and the LGA 1 November 2006 
			 Meeting with the Council of Mosques and Imams 6 November 2006 
			 Meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Panel on Neighbourhood Renewal 6 November 2006 
			 Speech at the British Council of Shopping Centres conference 7 November 2006 
			 Meeting with Sheikh Kabbani 8 November 2006 
			 Meeting with Slough council 8 November 2006 
			 Speech to the LGiU Annual Conference 9 November 2006 
			 Commission for Racial Equality Retreat 9 November 2006 
			 Meeting with East Lindsey council 13 November 2006 
			 Speech to the County Council Network Annual Conference 13 November 2006 
			 Meeting with New Zealand's Local Government Minister 14 November 2006 
			 Speech at UK LG Alliance for International Development conference 14 November 2006 
			 Meeting with the British High Commissioner to Pakistan 15 November 2006 
			 Dinner with the Commonwealth Local Government Forum Finance and Membership committee 15 November 2006 
			 Meeting with the Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police 23 November 2006 
			 Speech to the LGA National Housing Conference 27 November 2006 
			 Meeting with chair of John Lewis 27 November 2006 
			 Meeting with the Local Government Association 28 November 2006 
			 Speech to the CIPFA Efficiencies in Asset Management Conference 28 November 2006 
			 Speech to the LEED Directing committee 29 November 2006 
			 Speech to the LAPFF conference 30 November 2006 
			 Speech to the LGC Implementing the Local Government White Paper conference 30 November 2006 
			 Meeting with UNISON 30 November 2006 
			 Meeting with the Social Enterprise Coalition 4 December 2006 
			 Faith Communities Consultative Council (Phil Woolas chairs) 6 December 2006 
			 Visit to the North West 7 December 2006 
			 Visit to West Midlands 11 December 2006 
			 Meeting with Skegness council 12 December 2006 
			 Meeting with UNSION and GMB 12 December 2006 
			 Meeting with Lancashire MPs 12 December 2006 
			 APPG on the Community and Voluntary sector 12 December 2006 
			 Visit to High Wycombe 13 December 2006 
			 Speech to the LGA General Assembly 14 December 2006 
			 Speech to the Academy for Sustainable Communities 14 December 2006 
			 Meeting with representatives from the Alliance and Leicester bank 14 December 2006 
			 Meeting with the British Toilet Association 14 December 2006 
			 Meeting with National Association for Community and Voluntary Action 18 December 2006 
			 Regional MP briefing about Fire Control 18 December 2006 
			 Meeting with Daniel Kawczynski MP 18 December 2006 
			 Speech to the Association of North East Councils 19 December 2006 
			 Meeting with SIGOMA 4 January 2007 
			 Meeting with London Councils 4 January 2007 
			 Meeting with UNISIG 4 January 2007 
			 Meeting with the Society of District Council Treasurers 4 January 2007 
			 Meeting with the County Councils Network 4 January 2007 
			 Meeting with CEOs of London Boroughs 4 January 2007 
			 Meeting with the Bishop of Hulme 8 January 2007 
			 Visit to Thetford 9 January2007 
			 Meeting with SIGOMA MPs executive group 9 January 2007 
			 Meeting with Lord Best 9 January 2007 
			 Meeting with Sue Essex 11 January 2007 
			 Meeting with UNISON and GMB 16 January 2007 
			 Meeting with LGA 17 January 2007 
			 Speech to the NLGN Annual Conference 17 January 2007 
			 Meeting with the LGiU 18 January 2007 
			 RDA Chairs meeting 23 January 2007 
			 Speech to the Muslim Safety Forum 24 January 2007 
			 Meeting with representatives from the Manchester Jewish Museum 24 January 2007

Engagements

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will list her official engagements from 26 October 2006 to 25 January 2007.

Angela Smith: The information is in the following table.
	
		
			   Official engagements 
			 30 October 2006 Meeting with NSPCC 
			 30 October 2006 Black History Month Reception 
			 30 October 2006 Speech at Equalities and Diversity Dinner 
			 1 November 2006 Meeting with Shelter 
			 2 November 2006 AMICUS Women and Equalities Conference 
			 7 November 2006 Speech at the NLGN Conference 
			 8 November 2006 Meeting with Justice and Peace Council 
			 8 November 2006 DfES Education and Inspection Bill Party 
			 9 November 2006 The Woman of the Future Awards 
			 13 November 2006 Thames Gateway Tour 
			 14 November 2006 MediaHomelessness Visit 
			 14 November 2006 SpeechAndy Ludlow Awards 
			 14 November 2006 London Council's Leaders Committee 
			 15 November 2006 Queen's Speech 
			 20 November 2006 Queen's Speech Debate 
			 20 November 2006 Asian Who's Who Annual Dinner 
			 21 November 2006 SpeechJoseph Rowntree Foundation 
			 21 November 2006 Meeting with CABE 
			 22 November 2006 SpeechThames Gateway Forum 
			 22 November 2006 Stakeholder EventCommunity Engagement and Empowerment 
			 27 November 2006 SpeechCRE Race Convention 2006 
			 29 November 2006 Visit to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea 
			 5 December 2006 Meeting with Green Stakeholders 
			 5 December 2006 Housing Management Event 
			 5 December 2006 The Guardian Public Service Awards 2006 
			 11 December 2006 Meeting with the Six-O Group 
			 12 December 2006 VisitGreen Event 
			 13 December 2006 SpeechGreen Event 
			 13 December 2006 Meeting with the Commission on Integration and Cohesion 
			 9 January 2007 Meeting with CEHR Chair 
			 10 January 2007 Meeting with Martin Cave (Cave Review) 
			 11 January 2007 Meeting with Chair of the LGA 
			 15 January 2007 Meeting with Stonewall Chief Executive 
			 16 January 2007 Meeting with Archbishop Peter Smith and the Assistant General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales 
			 17 January 2007 Meeting with TUC General Secretary 
			 17 January 2007 Communities England Launch 
			 19 January 2007 Meeting with the Housing Corporation 
			 19 January 2007 Meeting with Pakistani High Commissioner 
			 19 January 2007 Meeting with Caritas and Assistant General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales 
			 23 January 2007 Meeting with TUC 
			 23 January 2007 Meeting with Chief Executive of BAAF 
			 24 January 2007 Interview with the Guardian 
			 24 January 2007 Meeting with English Partnerships 
			 24 January 2007 Meeting with Chairman of Commission for Rural Communities

Equal opportunities

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether she has any plans to introduce an age equality duty.

Phil Woolas: The Government are considering the case for extending protection from discrimination on grounds of age beyond employment. This issue is being considered as part of the Discrimination Law Review. Proposals emerging from the review will be published in a Green Paper for public consultation shortly.

Freedom of Information

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs on the application of Freedom of Information regulations to private companies performing public services.

Angela Smith: In the course of official business my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular discussions with ministerial colleagues on a wide range of issues.

Gas: Planning

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions she has had with the  (a) Department of Trade and Industry and  (b) Minister for Energy on ensuring the timely delivery of gas infrastructure projects while maximising community consultation on planning applications.

Yvette Cooper: The Government will set out in a White Paper, in spring 2007, their proposals for taking forward Kate Barker's and Rod Eddington's proposals in December 2006 for reform of major infrastructure planning, including gas infrastructure. The Secretary of State has discussed the development of the White Paper with colleagues across Government

Growth Areas Initiative

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will provide a breakdown of programme expenditure for the  (a) Growth Areas initiative in the (i) East Midlands, (ii) South East and (iii) London regions and  (b) the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund initiative in the (A) York and Humberside, (B) West Midlands, (C) South West and (D) South East regions in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Yvette Cooper: In financial year 2005-06, the Growth Areas Fund provided grants as follows:
	
		
			  Region  Amount () 
			 (i) East Midlands 21,575,606 
			 (ii) South East 20,100,424 
			 (iii) London 5,172,233 
		
	
	Programme expenditure for the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund for 2006-07 is as follows:
	
		
			  Region  Amount () 
			 (A) York and Humberside 78,987,464 
			 (B) West Midlands 70,016,865 
			 (C) South West 10,596,474 
			 (D) South East 3,375,618

Homelessness

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many homeless households were placed in temporary accommodation in each year since 1997.

Yvette Cooper: Information reported each quarter by local authorities about their activities under homelessness legislation includes the number of households in temporary accommodation on the last day of the quarter. The figures include both those households who have been accepted as owed the main homelessness duty, and those for which enquiries are pending.
	A snapshot of the number of households in temporary accommodation at the end of each quarter is published in Table 6 of our quarterly statistical release on Statutory Homelessness. This is published on our website at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/index. asp?id=1002882Press NoticeID=2309
	and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House. The latest release shows data back to 1997.
	Since the third quarter of 2002 local authorities have also reported the number of households accepted as owed a main homelessness duty that were placed in temporary accommodation each quarter. The percentages are published in Table 8 of the statistical release.
	In January 2005 the Government set a target of halving the number of households in all forms of temporary accommodation used by local authorities to discharge their main duty under the homelessness legislation.

Housing

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much housing revenue account subsidy was paid to West Lancashire district council in each year since 1995-96; what amount has been paid in housing benefit to council tenants in each year; and how this has been financed.

Yvette Cooper: West Lancashire's housing revenue account Subsidy entitlement for each year from 1995-96 to 2005-06 is given in the following table. Housing benefits payable to council tenants are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Housing benefits are not accounted for in the housing revenue account. Overall the Government contributes around 200 million to the housing revenue account which redistributes resources between areas to take account of historic funding agreements and meet need. Housing benefit is financed completely separately through by the Department for Work and Pensions.
	
		
			  HRA subsidy 1995-96 to 2005-06, West Lancashire district council 
			
			 1995-96 1,116,691 
			 1996-97 -4,805,199 
			 1997-98 -5,352,290 
			 1998-99 -5,885,974 
			 1999-2000 -6,622,464 
			 2000-01 -7,124,820 
			 2001-02 -3,334,426 
			 2002-03 -4,080,536 
			 2003-04 -5,040,906 
			 2004-05 -3,327,382 
			 2005-06 -3,162,341 
			  Notes:  (a) Prior to 31 March 2004 HRA Subsidy included a rent rebate element. Figures provided are for the housing element only, which equates precisely with HRA Subsidy system since 1 April 2004. (b) The Major Repairs Allowance was introduced in 2001, providing substantial additional funds to counter depreciation of housing stock. (c) 2004-05 saw a 47 per cent. increase in West Lancashire's maintenance allowances as part of the initial effects of rebasing took effect. There was, in the same period, a reduction in assumed rental income following a small reduction in housing stock levels over the previous year. Together these factors reduced the level of negative subsidy generated by the authority substantially.

Housing

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the projected number of households is in  (a) rural and  (b) non-rural areas in each year from 2003 to 2026; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: Projected households are only available at local authority level; therefore it is possible to measure households in local authorities classified as rural or urban by DEFRA's Rural Definition and Local Authority Classification.
	The projected numbers of households in rural and urban areas are tabulated as follows:
	
		
			  2003 Household projections for urban and rural local authorities( 1) 
			   Rural  Urban  Total 
			 2003 7,634 13,271 20,904 
			 2004 7,720 13,375 21,095 
			 2005 7,805 13,483 21,287 
			 2006 7,890 13,595 21,485 
			 2007 7,976 13,709 21,685 
			 2008 8,066 13,830 21,895 
			 2009 8,158 13,954 22,112 
			 2010 8,253 14,084 22,337 
			 2011 8,349 14,216 22,566 
			 2012 8,445 14,347 22,792 
			 2013 8,541 14,478 23,019 
			 2014 8,637 14,609 23,247 
			 2015 8,734 14,742 23,476 
			 2016 8,831 14,873 23,705 
			 2017 8,927 15,003 23,931 
			 2018 9,022 15,130 24,151 
			 2019 9,114 15,253 24,367 
			 2020 9,205 15,372 24,577 
			 2021 9,293 15,488 24,781 
			 2022 9,378 15,600 24,978 
			 2023 9,461 15,710 25,170 
			 2024 9,542 15,817 25,359 
			 2025 9,620 15,919 25,539 
			 2026 9,695 16,017 25,713 
			 (1) Based on the DEFRA Rural Definition (2004)  Source: 2003 Household Projections.

Housing

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the estimated value is of affordable housing delivered through planning obligations in  (a) rural and  (b) non-rural areas; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: Information on individual section 106 agreements in England is held by local planning authorities and is not collected centrally. The study Valuing Planning Obligations in England (Department for Communities and Local Government, May 2006) undertaken by the University of Sheffield and the Halcrow Group estimated that the value of affordable housing contributions delivered through planning obligations in England in 2003-04 was 600 million, which included direct payments and in-kind contributions. This study did not distinguish between affordable housing delivered in rural and non-rural areas.

Housing

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many hectares of land were registered on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Land in  (a) rural and  (b) non-rural areas in each year since 1997; how much has been purchased by English Partnerships; how much has been used to provide affordable housing; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The register was established in 2003 and currently consists of 3,893ha covering about 650 sitesthis compares with 4,734ha in June 2006 and 3,544ha in June 2005. It does not distinguish between rural and non-rural areas.
	During 2002-03 English Partnerships purchased 2,087ha of surplus public sector land and it is estimated that this will provide nearly 24,000 new homes, including 11,200 keyworker and affordable homes.
	The register does not provide a complete picture of surplus public sector land availability as only Government bodies and their sponsored bodies are required to take part in the register process, with others taking part on a voluntary basis.

Housing

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the level of home ownership was in each year since 1980 in  (a) rural and  (b) non-rural areas; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The most recent information on home ownership by rural and non-rural areas is from the 2001 census. The table shows owner occupiers as a proportion of all households by rural and urban local authorities. The local authorities are classified as rural or urban by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair's Rural Definition and Local Authority Classification (2004). Information is not readily available for earlier years.
	
		
			  Owner occupation by urban and rural local authorities( 1) 
			   Percentage of households 
			 Urban 65 
			 Rural 75 
			 Total 69 
			 (1) Based on the DEFRA Rural Definition (2004)  Source: 2001 Census

Housing

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many empty dwelling management orders have been served since April 2006 in  (a) rural and  (b) non-rural areas; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: One Empty Dwelling Management Order has been served since April 2006. The dwelling in question is situated in a rural area. In considering whether to make Empty Dwelling Management Orders, a number of local authorities have found that owners have responded by bringing properties back into use before the case is referred to the Residential Property Tribunal for approval. The Department does not hold information on the number of such cases.

Housing

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the effect of increased house prices on first time buyers in Chorley.

Yvette Cooper: The North West Regional Housing Strategy recognised that affordability was a growing problem in many parts of the region. The strategy made tackling affordability its second priority after neighbourhood renewal.
	The Government have recently published PPS3 which requires local authorities to take greater account of affordability and deliver the right mix of affordable and market housing to meet local needs.
	The Barker review has also recognised an under- supply of new housing. In response we have announced our intention to increase the rate of new building in England to more than 200,000 dwellings a year over the next decade. The current Lancashire Structure Plan proposes 230 net additions a year between 2006-16. The draft submitted Regional Spatial Strategy proposes increasing the yearly net provision. However it is too early to say precisely what the final figure will be.

Housing

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether she plans to end the ringfencing of the Supporting People budget.

Phil Woolas: The Local Government White Paper 'Strong and Prosperous Communities' sets out the principle that, where possible, funding will be provided through the LAA grant and that this route will be suitable for most area-based funding streams. We will be giving more detail of what this will mean for the Supporting People programme, as an area-based grant, in our national strategy (which will be published shortly). As delivery through LAAs is taken forward, it will inform future decisions about the ring fence.

Housing: Birmingham

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much housing revenue account subsidy was paid to Birmingham City Council in each year since 1995-96; what amount has been paid in housing benefit to council tenants in each year; and how this has been financed.

Yvette Cooper: Birmingham's Housing Revenue Account subsidy entitlement for each year from 1995-96 to 2005-06 is given in the following table. Responsibility for housing benefits payable to council tenants lies with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Housing benefits are not accounted for in the Housing Revenue Account.
	
		
			  HRA subsidy 1995-96 to 2005-06, Birmingham city council 
			
			 1995-96 728,463 
			 1996-97 -3,628,127 
			 1997-98 -5,884,668 
			 1998-99 -9,540,401 
			 1999-2000 -9,402,259 
			 2000-01 -9,023,524 
			 2001-02 30,628,217 
			 2002-03 28,604,097 
			 2003-04 26,884,938 
			 2004-05 14,632,303 
			 2005-06 17,490,078 
			  Notes:  1. Prior to 31 March 2004 HRA subsidy included a rent rebate element. Figures provided are for the housing element only, which equates precisely with HRA subsidy system since 1 April 2004.  2. The Major Repairs Allowance was introduced in 2001, providing substantial additional funds to counter depreciation of housing stock.  3. The reduction in subsidy between 2003-04 and 2004-05 represents a fall in the authority's annual debt charge following the transfer out of Birmingham's HRA of over 4,000 properties.

Housing: Fuel Poverty

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps her Department is taking to link policy on poor housing conditions and fuel poverty.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 25 January 2007
	Households living in decent homes are less likely to experience fuel poverty The decent homes standards requires homes to provide thermal comfort through having both efficient heating and effective insulation. Our guidance for delivering decent homes sets out the means by which landlords can meet this thermal comfort criterion, and also recommends that they seek to go further to improve energy efficiency, for example by replacing inefficient boilers, or installing extra insulation or double glazing.
	The Housing Health and Safety Rating system (HHSRS) is the Government's new approach to the evaluation of potential risks to health and safety from any deficiencies identified in dwellings. Excess cold is included as a potential hazard and a hazard assessment should take account of the adequacy of the heating, insulation and ventilation. The Housing Act 2004 gives local authorities powers to intervene where they consider housing conditions to be unacceptable following the proper application of the HHSRS.
	Where landlords refuse a Warm Front grant or decline to reply to enquiries by scheme managers, or where a landlord declines to co-operate with an approach from an energy supplier under EEC, local authorities may decide an inspection may be necessary to establish whether anything needs to be done to protect the occupant from excess cold or damp and mould affecting the property.

Housing: Milton Keynes

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people on average there have been on the council house waiting list in Milton Keynes in each year since 1997.

Yvette Cooper: Information in the format requested is not collected centrally. However, the number of households on the waiting list for social housing in Milton Keynes since 1997, as at 1 April each year, is published on the Communities and Local Government website in Table 600. The link for this table is given as follows:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/embedded_object.asp?id=l163853
	A copy has been placed in the Library of the House.
	Local authorities (LAs) in England report the numbers of households on their housing waiting list as at 1 April in their annual Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix returns.
	Not everyone on the waiting list is necessarily in urgent housing need. The waiting list includes those who consider social housing as their preferred option or one of a number of housing options, and those who decide to get onto the waiting list ladder before they need or want to move houseparticularly where the priority system is heavily based on waiting time.

Housing: Milton Keynes

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what council housing stock level was in Milton Keynes in each year since 1997.

Yvette Cooper: The following local authority housing stock was reported by Milton Keynes district council in each year since 1992:
	
		
			  Milton Keynes local authority stock at 1 April 
			   Number 
			 1992 17,718 
			 1993 17,054 
			 1994 16,914 
			 1995 16,652 
			 1996 14,294 
			 1997 14,164 
			 1998 14,050 
			 1999 13,926 
			 2000 13,667 
			 2001 13,405 
			 2002 12,972 
			 2003 12,592 
			 2004 12,135 
			 2005 11,917 
			 2006 11,788 
			  Source:  Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix 
		
	
	Council stock as reported by each local authority in England is published on the Communities and Local Government website at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/22/Tablel16_idl156022.xls

Housing Association Properties

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what percentage of properties let by housing associations are owned by private landlords in  (a) England,  (b) London,  (c) Surrey Heath borough,  (d) Guildford borough,  (e) Surrey Heath constituency and  (f) Waverley borough.

Yvette Cooper: Information is available for England only. Registered Social Landlords owned 2,079,500 housing units at 31 March 2006 and managed a further 57,800 units owned by other organisations including private landlords. Separate figures are not available for those owned by private landlords.

Housing Corporation

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the Housing Corporation's budget was for 2006-07; and what its projected outturn is.

Yvette Cooper: The total departmental expenditure limit for the Housing Corporation in 2006-07 is currently 2.009 billion. As at 31 December 2006 the Housing Corporation is forecasting an outturn of 1.945 billion with the remainder carried over for 2007-08. The two-year budgets and targets for the Housing Corporation remain the same for 2006-08.

Housing: Armed Forces

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent representations she has received from the Ministry of Defence on the housing needs of serving and former members of the armed forces; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: There is ongoing dialogue between Communities and Local Government and the Ministry of Defence regarding the housing needs of members of the armed forces. In particular, my officials are currently working with the Ministry of Defence to look into the issue of local connection with regards housing allocations.
	More generally, in September 2006 Communities and Local Government announced that armed forces personnel are eligible to apply for assistance from the new build element of the key worker living programme.
	Additionally, the Ex-Service Action Group, of which Communities and Local Government and the Ministry of Defence are members, has commissioned research to look into aspects of homelessness amongst ex-service personnel in London.

Housing: Chorley

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was spent on social housing in Chorley constituency in each year for the last 20 years.

Yvette Cooper: The following table shows expenditure on social rented housing through the Housing Corporation's Affordable Housing Programme in Chorley borough council from 1997-98 to 2005-06 together with planned levels of investment for 2006-08. It does not include any investment through Section 106 agreements.
	
		
			  Chorley borough council 
			   million 
			 1997-98 0.6 
			 1998-99 0.6 
			 1999-2000 0.1 
			 2000-01 0.5 
			 2001-02 0.6 
			 2002-03 0.2 
			 2003-04 0.7 
			 2004-05 1.6 
			 2005-06 0.9 
			 2006-08 allocation 1.7 
		
	
	This information is not held on a constituency basis.

Housing: Construction

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 6 February to question 118737, by how much the contribution per dwelling will have to rise to reach the 311 million that is expected to be raised from developers of the relevant expansion areas.

Yvette Cooper: The Milton Keynes Partnership Business Plan 2006-2010/11 sets out that the expected private sector financial contributions of 311 million are made up from contributions per house of 18,500 index linked per housing unit plus a further 33.46 million from employment land development.

Housing: East Sussex

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what provision there was of  (a) social housing and  (b) affordable housing in Eastbourne constituency in each of the last 10 years.

Yvette Cooper: Information on the stock of social rent housing by local authority area in each of the last ten years can be found on the Communities and Local Government website:
	 Registered social landlords
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/21/Table115_id1156021.xls
	 Local authorities
	http://vww. communities.gov.uk/pub/22/Table116_id1156022.xls
	Copies of the links have been placed in the Library of the House.
	Housing provided for social rent makes up part of the affordable housing supply with other dwellings being provided through low-cost home ownership schemes. In the last 10 years 182 affordable dwellings have been provided in Eastbourne through low cost home ownership schemes.

Housing: Grants

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether she has plans to include quality of decision-making as a factor in the awarding of the housing and planning delivery grant.

Yvette Cooper: The Government have recently consulted on a proposed Housing and Planning Delivery Grant that would reward local authorities for delivering sustainable communities through a sound Local Delivery Framework. We are expecting to outline our intentions on HPDG in the summer.

Housing: Islington

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions she has had with the London borough of Islington on their proposed sale of properties, the value of properties proposed for sale and the future of their social housing programme.

Yvette Cooper: Ministers in Communities and Local Government have not met with the London borough of Islington regarding their proposed sale of properties or the future of their social housing programme.
	Islington is currently developing its Local Development Framework, which includes the Core Strategy with policy on housing need. This must take account of Government policies for the provision of housing, including affordable housing, and must be in general conformity with the London Plan's policies on the provision of affordable housing.

Housing: North West Region

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many affordable homes were built in  (a) Warrington and  (b) the North West as a result of section 106 agreements in each year since 1997.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 1 February 2007
	Total numbers of affordable dwellings completions as a result of Section 106 agreements in Warrington and the North West are as follows:
	
		
			  Affordable dwellingsSection 106 completions 
			   Warrington  North West 
			 2000-01 0 781 
			 2001-02 69 785 
			 2002-03 14 733 
			 2003-04 155 812 
			 2004-05 43 631 
			 2005-06 139 1,097 
			  Source:  Local authorities (Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix) 
		
	
	These figures include all dwellings funded solely or partly through Section 106 agreements and are as reported by local authorities through the Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix (HSSA) as at 1 April 2006. Information on Section 106 housing has been collected since 2000-01 and no information for prior years is held centrally.

Housing: North West Region

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much public subsidy was given to the building of affordable housing in  (a) Warrington and  (b) the North West in each year since 1997.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 1 February 2007
	The following table shows expenditure and estimated expenditure through the Housing Corporation's Affordable Housing Programme, Local Authority Social Housing Grant and Safer Communities Supported Housing Fund for Warrington and North West region in each year since 1997-98.
	
		
			   million 
			   Warrington  North West Region 
			 1997-98 0.8 97.3 
			 1998-99 1.3 90.8 
			 1999-2000 0.7 97.0 
			 2000-01 3.9 94.5 
			 2001-02 0.9 81.5 
			 2002-03 1.7 93.9 
			 2003-04 0.3 113.1 
			 2004-05 0.4 112.2 
			 2005-06 0.2 114.8 
			  Source: Housing Corporation

Housing: Solihull

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she has made of the potential loss of greenbelt land in Solihull if the West Midlands Regional Assembly agrees that 570,000 new homes should be built in the region over the next 25 years.

Yvette Cooper: The amount and distribution of new housing to be provided in the West Midlands region over the next 25 years is currently being considered through the revision of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). As part of the revision, the West Midlands Regional Assembly is consulting on options to provide up to 575,000 new homes across the Region. The consultation on the options will inform the Assembly's decision on how much housing should go in different locations in their preferred option. At this stage, options for housing development in Solihull are between 11,000 and 18,000 new homes; however, it is possible that the final figure for Solihull may be different from these figures depending on the outcome of the consultation. The location and level of housing are a matter for the regional and local planning process. Until these decisions are made it is not possible to say whether there will be any loss of Green Belt in any specific areas in the Region. However, the current RSS would expect to see all other possibilities exhausted before consideration of Green Belt.

Housing: Subsidies

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2007,  Official Report, column 4W, on social housing, for what reason most rates of grant have declined between the 2004-06 and 2006-08 programmes; and what measures are in place to ensure that future occupants of subsidised homes receive the benefit of the initial subsidy.

Yvette Cooper: The Housing Corporation has been engaged in a major programme of work with housing associations to improve value for money and reduce the level of grant required to deliver quality new social housing.
	The main reason why most grant rates per home have declined over the two Housing Corporation Affordable Housing Programme bidding rounds 2004-06 and 2006-08 is that the Housing Corporation conducts a bidding process, in negotiation with registered social landlords (RSLs), in order to achieve better value for money. The Corporation aims to reduce the costs of provision and the amount of grant provided. This grant reduction has enabled the delivery of additional affordable homes.
	Where homes are no longer used for social housing or where a home owner has purchased 100 per cent. of their property initially subsidised by grant the Housing Corporation recovers grants to be used on new schemes. This is achieved by RSLs using Recycled Capital Grants Funds (RCGF) to hold recovered grant plus interest and re-invest it within a certain time. For properties acquired by tenants under Right to Acquire and Voluntary Purchase Grants, RSLs credit Disposal Proceeds Funds with the net proceeds of the sale. These funds are then used to provide replacement properties.

Housing: West Midlands

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many  (a) households and  (b) children are living in overcrowded housing in (i) Sandwell metropolitan borough council and (ii) the west midlands.

Yvette Cooper: There are two measures of overcrowdingthe statutory definition and the bedroom standard.
	Using the bedroom standard and based on the most recent three years of 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06:  (a) the estimated number of households in the west midlands who were living in overcrowded accommodation was 58,000 and  (b) the estimated number of children who were living in overcrowded accommodation was 96,000. These figures were derived from CLG's 'Survey of English Housing'.
	The only recent estimate of the number of overcrowded households in Sandwell metropolitan borough council is 5,000. This is from an ad hoc report based on combined data from both the 'Survey of English Housing' and DWP's 'Family Resources Survey' for the three years 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03. Reliable estimates for the number of children living in overcrowded accommodation in Sandwell were not determined.
	Reliable estimates of overcrowding based on the statutory standard are not available because the underlying data are not collected systematically. A one-off estimate was made in 2003 that there were approximately 20,000 households across the whole of England that were in conditions of overcrowding that breached the statutory standard. This estimate was based on data from the 'Survey of English Housing' for the period 2000-01 to 2002-03 and from the 2001 'English House Condition Survey'. However, no further estimate was made of how many children were living in these 20,000 households.
	Equivalent estimates for the west midlands and for Sandwell are not available.

Housing: West Midlands

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she has made of the number of long-term empty homes in  (a) Sandwell metropolitan borough council and  (b) the West Midlands.

Yvette Cooper: At October 2005 Sandwell district council reported a total of 2,705 long-term vacant homes.
	At October 2005 local authorities within the West Midlands reported a total of 35,703 long-term vacant dwellings.
	These figures are based on long-term vacancies greater than six months.
	 Source:
	Council Tax Base return (CTB1) from local authorities.

Housing: West Midlands

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what funding  (a) Sandwell metropolitan borough council and  (b) voluntary sector organisations in Sandwell have received from the Homelessness Directorate under the Hostels Improvement Programme.

Yvette Cooper: The Hostels Capital Improvement Programme (HCIP) will provide over 90 million to around 143 projects in 47 local authority areas in England. In the West Midlands region, five projects have been allocated HCIP funding, totalling 1.39 million.
	No funding from the HCIP has been allocated to Sandwell metropolitan borough council or to voluntary sector organisations in Sandwell.

Housing: West Midlands

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the total number of lettings in Sandwell metropolitan borough council was  (a) in each year between 1997 and the introduction of choice-based letting (CBL) and  (b) in each quarter since the introduction of CBL.

Yvette Cooper: The information is as follows.
	Table 1 records the total number of lettings made in the district of Sandwell metropolitan borough council by the local authority (LA) and registered social landlords (RSLs) in each year for the period 1996-97 to 2005-06. Choice-based lettings were introduced in Sandwell MBC during the year 2002-03.
	Table 2 records the total number of lettings made by RSLs in each quarter from 2002-03. We do not hold data centrally on lettings by the local authority on a quarterly basis.
	
		
			  Table 1: Total number of lettings in Sandwell MBC by LA and RSLs, 1996-97 to 2005-06 
			   LA  RSL  Total 
			 1996-97 5,585 1,027 6,612 
			 1997-98 5,502 1,006 6,508 
			 1998-99 4,557 1,142 5,699 
			 1999-2000 4,446 1,040 5,486 
			 2000-01 4,247 1,048 5,295 
			 2001-02 4,380 889 5,269 
			 2002-03 3,809 791 4,600 
			 2003-04 3,834 803 4,637 
			 2004-05 3,584 784 4,368 
			 2005-06 3,317 763 4,080 
			  Source: Local authority data from Communities and Local Governments's annual Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix; RSL data from the Housing Corporation's CORE return. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Total number of RSL lettings in Sandwell MBC, 2002-03 to 2006-07 
			   2002-03  20003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 1st quarter 200 177 207 196 172 
			 2nd quarter 195 221 195 196 142 
			 3rd quarter 205 210 225 170  
			 4th quarter 191 195 157 201  
			 Total 791 803 784 763  
			  Source: The Housing Corporation's CORE return.

Land Banking

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many compulsory purchase orders have been served to tackle land-banking since the relevant provisions of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 in  (a) rural and  (b) non-rural areas were brought into force; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Land Use: Sport

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether her Department has considered the issue of precedent in the approval of planning applications for the development of open space designated for sport that has been held derelict for the purpose of increasing the value of the land; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: Any planning application for land previously used for sport will be considered by a local planning authority by having regard to policies in the development plan for their area, to national planning guidance and to any planning considerations that are material to the individual case. Planning decisions should be taken in line with relevant policies in the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The condition of the land, and the fact that land is no longer used for sporting purposes may be capable of being material considerations in particular planning cases.
	Planning Policy Guidance note 17 on Open Space, Sport and Recreation is clear that open spaces that are needed by local communities should be protected and not developed for other uses. Planning authorities should undertake assessments of their open space and the sport and recreational needs of their communities and only consider granting planning permission for development where open spaces are surplus to requirements.

Leasehold: Service Charges

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what assessment she has made of  (a) the adequacy of financial support to leaseholders of (i) councils and (ii) housing associations and  (b) the case for improvements to the statutory right to a service charge loan; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  whether  (a) Decent Homes Standard funding and  (b) other Government funding can be used to assist leaseholders of (i) council and (ii) housing association properties in areas where Decent Homes Standard spending programmes are underway.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 5 February 2007
	The Government are reviewing the issues raised by high service charges payable by leaseholders of social landlords. The review covers all the means of assistance currently available, including:
	mandatory capping of service charges where the works are funded from specified central programmes;
	discretionary capping by landlords in cases where specified criteria, including exceptional hardship, are met;
	loan and deferred payment schemes, and
	equity release.
	We expect to be able to publish the results of the review by Easter.

Local Authorities: Disabled

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the total amount available from her Department to local authorities in the North West for disabled facilities grants was in 2006-07; how much was bid for by each local authority; how much has been allocated to each local authority; and what use will be made by her Department of any underspend.

Yvette Cooper: The North West region received a total of 20,536,000 in specified capital grant from my Department in 2006-07 in respect of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) Programme.
	The bids from and allocations to individual local authorities in the region were as in the table.
	Provision is made in funding arrangements for DFG specified capital grant so that any local authority which is experiencing programme slippage can carry over the underspend from year to year. In other cases grant underspends are returned to the Department and because the DFG funding is ring-fenced these receipts are recycled into future local authority allocations for this programme.
	
		
			  Local authority disabled facilities grant allocations for 2006-07north west region 
			   2006-07 
			  LA name  LA bid  Allocation 
			 000 
			 Allerdale 216 183 
			 Barrow-in-Furness 240 183 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 720 687 
			 Blackpool 577 587 
			 Bolton 720 637 
			 Burnley 720 624 
			 Bury 1,140 448 
			 Carlisle 357 280 
			 Chester 234 232 
			 Chorley 180 180 
			 Congleton 120 130 
			 Copeland 300 157 
			 Crewe and Nantwich 150 160 
			 Eden 99 140 
			 Ellesmere Port and Neston 402 412 
			 Fylde 294 285 
			 Halton 387 383 
			 Hyndburn 270 174 
			 Knowsley 600 607 
			 Lancaster 495 420 
			 Liverpool 1,386 1,396 
			 Macclesfield 125 135 
			 Manchester 2,550 2,552 
			 Oldham 418 428 
			 Pendle 240 224 
			 Preston 360 363 
			 Ribble Valley 72 72 
			 Rochdale 840 597 
			 Rossendale 615 278 
			 Salford 1,080 847 
			 Sefton 1,091 918 
			 South Lakeland 180 112 
			 South Ribble 191 201 
			 St. Helens 774 668 
			 Stockport 660 510 
			 Tameside 763 746 
			 Trafford 960 677 
			 Vale Royal 165 161 
			 Warrington 541 547 
			 West Lancashire 296 306 
			 Wigan 2,477 707 
			 Wirral 750 760 
			 Wyre 420 422 
			 Total 25,174 20,536

Local Government

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations she has received on the local government finance settlement for 2007-08; and if she will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: The consultation on Government's proposals for the 2007-08 local government finance settlement closed on 5 January 2007. Communities and Local Government received a total of 169 written representations within the consultation deadlines from the Local Government Association and London councils, from local authorities, local authority groups and hon. Members. I also met with delegations from London councils, the Special Interest Group of Metropolitan Authorities and other groups representing the different types of local authority in England, to discuss the proposals.
	Having considered all the representations received during consultation, I announced our final proposals on the 2007-08 local government finance settlement on 18 January 2007. The House will have the opportunity to debate them shortly.

Local Government

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether a local authority will be able to move back to an indirectly elected model once it has opted for a directly elected mayor or executive under the Local Government White Paper proposals; and whether an authority can opt to move between directly elected models.

Phil Woolas: The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill provides for an authority to move between governance models. Should an authority wish to move away from a directly elected model they have to adhere to safeguards provided in the Bill that ensure that local people have a say.

Local Government Finance

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) population,  (b) formula grant and  (c) formula grant per head of population is for each county council and metropolitan borough, in descending order of the grant per head.

Phil Woolas: A table has been placed in the Library of the House showing the 2007 sub-national population projections, the 2007-08 formula grant and the 2007-08 formula grant per head for all authorities that have responsibility for education and social services. These include county council, metropolitan boroughs, London boroughs and shire unitary authorities.

Local Government Finance: Chorley

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much housing revenue account subsidy was paid to Chorley Borough Council in each year since 1995-96.

Yvette Cooper: Chorley's Housing Revenue Account subsidy entitlement for each year from 1995-96 to 2005-06 is given in the following table:
	
		
			  HRA subsidy 1995-96 to 2005-06, Chorley borough council 
			
			 1995-96 -1,120,099 
			 1996-97 -1,415,677 
			 1997-98 -1,582,282 
			 1998-99 -1,834,781 
			 1999-2000 -2,183,138 
			 2000-01 -2,458,992 
			 2001-02 -1,010,713 
			 2002-03 -1,323,557 
			 2003-04 -1,543,326 
			 2004-05 -1,529,689 
			 2005-06 -1,284,949 
			  Notes:  1. Prior to 31 March 2004 HRA subsidy included a rent rebate element. Figures provided are for the housing element only, which equates precisely with the HRA subsidy system since 1 April 2004.  2. The negative figures show that Chorley generate an assumed surplus, which is captured and recycled within the subsidy system to contribute, along with an Exchequer contribution, towards deficit authorities.  3. The Major Repairs Allowance was introduced in 2001, providing substantial additional funds to counter depreciation of housing stock.

Local Government: Consultants

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was spent from the public purse by the Lyons Inquiry into local government on purchasing consultancy services by LLM Communications; and for what purpose such services have been purchased.

Phil Woolas: We understand from the Lyons inquiry that they commissioned LLM Communications in February 2006 to provide some specific communications advice at the total cost of 2,000.

Milton Keynes

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2007,  Official Report, column 783W, on the Milton Keynes tariff, on what date she expects the Milton Keynes Prospectus agreement to be signed by all concerned parties; and how many dwellings she expects to be built in the expansion area.

Phil Woolas: The Milton Keynes Prospectus, commonly known as the tariff, is a planning obligation under the Town and Country Planning Act and covers part of Milton Keynes. Due to ongoing commercial negotiations it would not be appropriate to set a date for when the Milton Keynes Prospectus will be signed. However, a site-specific planning obligation, which feeds into the Prospectus, has been completed.
	As set out in the Milton Keynes Partnership Business Plan 2006-2010/11, the expansion area subject to the Milton Keynes Urban Development Area (2004) is estimated as accommodating 15,000 new dwellings.

Minorities

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which national minorities within the UK are covered by the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Phil Woolas: I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 7 February 2007,  Official Report, column 952W.

Parish Councils: Finance

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was provided by her Department to support the quality parishes scheme in each year since 2003.

Phil Woolas: While the guidance, 'The Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme' was published jointly by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs and the then Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, funding for this scheme has been provided since 2003 by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs and the Commission for Rural Communities.

Parish Councils: Finance

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was provided by her Department to support the National Training Strategy for Parish and Town Councils in each year since 2001.

Phil Woolas: Funding for the National Training Strategy for Parish and Town Councils has been provided by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs and the Commission for Rural Communities.

Parish Councils: Finance

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has to provide financial support for the development of parish and town councils in  (a) 2007-08 and  (b) 2008-09.

Phil Woolas: Plans for the provision of financial support for the development of parish and town councils in  (a) 2007-08 and  (b) 2008-09 have not yet been settled. A further announcement will be made in due course.

Parish Councils: Finance

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what financial support was provided by her Department to the Improvement and Development Agency for Local Government in each year since 1999; and how much was directed towards improvement and development programmes for parish and town councils.

Angela Smith: Since 1999, the Improvement and Development Agency has received the following funds from Communities and Local Government:
	
		
			
			 1999-2000 10,685,192 
			 2000-01 14,939,314 
			 2001-02 17,041,000 
			 2002-03 14,212,000 
			 2003-04 20,563,000 
			 2004-05 21,097,000 
			 2005-06 26,767,000 
			 2006-07 31,678,000 
		
	
	The Improvement and Development Agency has not directed financial support towards specific improvement and development programmes for parish and town councils.

Parish Councils: Finance

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what financial support was provided by her Department to the Leadership Centre for Local Government in each year since 2003; and how much of this was directed towards leadership programmes for parish and town councils.

Phil Woolas: Since its set-up in 2004, the Leadership Centre for Local Government has received the following funds:
	
		
			
			 2004-05 2,000,000 
			 2005-06 4,465,000 
			 2006-07 3,267,500 
		
	
	The Leadership Centre for Local Government has not directed any of this support directly at leadership programmes for parish and town councils.

Planning: City of Durham

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what proportion of planning applications in  (a) the City of Durham and  (b) England are dealt with under delegated powers.

Yvette Cooper: The proportion of planning applications decided by delegation to officers in  (a) the City of Durham and  (b) England are set out in the following table:
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   City of Durham  England 
			 2005-06 92 89 
			 April-June 2006 94 90 
			 July-September 2006 94 88 
			  Source: CLG Development Control Statistics returns

Public Expenditure: Leeds

George Mudie: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was spent by Yorkshire Forward in Leeds East constituency in each of the last six years, broken down by scheme.

Phil Woolas: Between 2001 and 2007 a total of 1,949,880 has been spent by Yorkshire Forward in the Leeds East constituency. The breakdown by scheme is as follows:
	
		
			   
			   Year to March:   
			   2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  10 months to January 2007  Total 
			 Burmantofts Community Nursery 3,550 101,551  105,101 
			 Leeds Sites and Premises (Harehills School)   150,000 592,000 100,000   842,000 
			 Harehills Land Use Development Framework48,650 34,011 7,367  90,028 
			 Thorpe ParkSustainable Office40,273 12,756 420,584 439,138 912,751 
			 Total 3,550 101,551 150,000 680,923 146,767 427,951 439,138 1,949,880 
		
	
	In addition there are other projects (including five SRB projects) where funding was targeted at areas within East Leeds as well as surrounding areas. However, it has not been possible to allocate the exact amount of funding specifically benefiting East Leeds. The full details of all projects can be found on the following table.
	
		
			  Attachment for PQ 1444 06/07 Mr. George MudieYorkshire forward funding in the East Leeds constituency 
			   
			   Year to March: 
			   2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			  Specific projects  
			 Burmantofts Community Nursery 3,550 101,551
			 Leeds Sites and Premises (Harehills School)   150,000 592,000 100,000 
			 Harehills Land Use Development Framework48,650 34,011 
			 Thorpe ParkSustainable Office40,273 12,756 
			 Total 3,550 101,551 150,000 680,923 146,767 
			   
			  Other projects  
			 Technorth Learning Centre  
			 Leeds Community Foundation 732,950 
			   
			  SRB programme  
			 Round 1Removing BarriersCreating Opportunities 500,000 232,364
			 Round 2Rebuilding our Communities 2,000,000 3,566,469 660,838 483,894  
			 Round 3Leeds Partnership with Young People 4,000,000 4,836,120 4,275,876 2,901,631  
			 Round 5Better Neighbourhoods and Confident Communities 1,500,000 4,779,808 4,875,208 5,257,311 5,600,537 
			 Round 6Aire Valley Employment Area 146,500 2,261,934 823,734 2,001,460 2,434,786 
		
	
	
		
			   
			   Year to March 2006  10 months to January 2007  Total  Comments 
			  Specific projects 
			 Burmantofts Community Nursery   105,101 Funded through L and P Community programme. 
			 Leeds Sites and Premises (Harehills School)   842,000 Work carried out on an old school building. Demolition and clearance of temporary outbuildings, security grilles, erection of perimeter boundaries, repairs to roof and external elevations. 
			 Harehills Land Use Development Framework 7,367  90,028 Funding to produce a land use framework for the Harehills Neighbourhood Renewal Area. 
			 Thorpe ParkSustainable Office 420,584 439,138 912,751 Additional funding to create an exemplar environmentally sustainable building that will be used to promote sustainable construction materials and methods across the region. 
			 Total 427,951 439,138 1,949,880  
			  
			  Other projects 
			 Technorth Learning Centre 303,030 711,480 1,014,510 To create a three storey extension to the Technorth Learning Centre to promote additional training and support facilities to the unemployed in the Chapel Allerton, Harehills and Headingley Areas. 
			 Leeds Community Foundation 109,213 30,900 273,063 To facilitate a sustainable privately funded grant making strategy to tackle poverty and exclusion in Burmantofts , City and Holbeck, University, Harehills , Chapel Allerton, Headingley. It is not possible to specify exactly how much was spent in East Leeds. 
			  
			  SRB programme 
			 Round 1Removing BarriersCreating Opportunities   732,364 Seven year programme which ended in 2002. Consisting of a package of employment and job creation measures which reduced unemployment and crime in inner Leeds. Covered several areas of inner Leeds. It is not possible to specify exactly how much was spent in East Leeds. 
			 Round 2Rebuilding our Communities   6,711,201 Seven year programme which ended in 2004. Invested in physical regeneration in the East Bank Area of Richmond Hill and capitalising on training, employment and business growth in East Bank, Chapeltown, Harehills , Hyde Park, Burley and Beeston. It is not possible to specify exactly how much was spent in East Leeds. 
			 Round 3Leeds Partnership with Young People   16,013,627 Seven year programme ending in 2004. Tackled deprivation by providing assistance to young people aged nine to 25 living in the four most deprived wards (Burmantofts, Chapel Allerton, Harehills, the University). It is not possible to specify exactly how much was spent in East Leeds. 
			 Round 5Better Neighbourhoods and Confident Communities 2,232,938  24,245,796 Seven year programme which ended in 2006. Targeted the most socially excluded neighbourhoods in Leeds. Addressed issues with Community Involvement, Neighbourhood Management, Community Safety, Improving Opportunities. It is not possible to specify exactly how much was spent in East Leeds. 
			 Round 6Aire Valley Employment Area 1,704,092 1,284,184 10,656,690 Seven year scheme ending in 2007 to transform the region's largest industrial site into a high quality, sustainable employment base for the people of Leeds (particularly the deprived communities in the East and South of the city). It is not possible to specify exactly how much was spent in East Leeds.

Remploy: Contracts

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many public contracts have been awarded since January 2006 by councils in England to  (a) Remploy and  (b) other supported employers; and if she will take steps to increase the number of contracts awarded to such employers.

Angela Smith: Information on the award of public contracts to supported employers is not held centrally. The Department for Work and Pensions has obtained information direct from Remploy, which shows that in 2006, 9,066 contracts were awarded by councils in England to them.
	Subject to their legal duties, including the duty of best value and public procurement law, local authorities are responsible for taking their own procurement decisions. It is for Remploy to bid for appropriate contractual opportunities that arise within local government.

Rough Sleeping

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the effect on  (a) rough sleeping and  (b) homelessness of the influx of people from (i) A8 countries and (ii) outside the EU.

Yvette Cooper: The Department publishes the total number of rough sleepers in England in the annual national estimate each September. This does not differentiate between the nationalities of rough sleepers. The Prime Minister's target to reduce rough sleeping by two thirds from 1998 levels was met ahead of time. Rough sleeping is now 73 per cent. lower and that is being sustained.
	Statistics about wider homelessness are collected and published quarterly. Between May 2004 and September 2006, 615 households from the EU accession (A8) states have been accepted as eligible, unintentionally homeless and in priority need. This includes A8 nationals who have been living in the UK since before 2004. This comprises 0.25 per cent. of the total number of households accepted over the 29-month period.
	Between April 2005 (when we started collecting non-EU acceptances data) and September 2006, 3,716 foreign national households from outside the EU have been accepted as eligible, unintentionally homeless and in priority need. This comprises 2.8 per cent. of the total number of households accepted over the 18- month period.

Shropshire County Council

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what meetings she had with officers of Shropshire county council on the county's bid for unitary status in 2005.

Phil Woolas: None. My right hon. Friend has had no such meetings.

Social Rented Housing: East Sussex

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many  (a) one-bedroom,  (b) two-bedroom,  (c) three-bedroom and  (d) four or more bedroom properties for social housing were built in (i) the Eastbourne constituency and (ii) east Sussex in each of the last 10 years.

Yvette Cooper: Regional estimates on the proportion of new dwellings by bedroom and tenure in the south-east are published on the Communities and Local Government website at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/65/Table252_id1156065.xls
	A copy of the table has been placed in the Library of the House.
	It is not possible to produce reliable estimates at 'borough' level from the information held centrally.

Supermarkets: Land Use

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment her Department has made of the practice of land banking by supermarket chains.

Yvette Cooper: Communities and Local Government have made no assessment of the practice of land banking by supermarket chains.
	On 9 May 2006, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) referred the supply of groceries by retailers in the UK to the Competition Commission for investigation. One of the issues the Competition Commission are currently considering is whether any grocery retailers use the planning regime or land ownership and development in a way that deters or restricts entry or expansion by an actual or potential competitor, specifically, by acquiring or retaining land banks (including options over land), in a way which serves to exclude or deter actual or potential competitors from entering a market or expanding their operations. The commission expect to produce their final report towards the end of this year.

Supporting People

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government why mentally disordered offenders are not classified as a vulnerable group under the Supporting People programme.

Phil Woolas: Supporting People is a devolved programme, wherein 150 administering authorities are responsible for deciding how their Supporting People grant allocations are spent, based on the local needs and priorities set out in their Supporting People five-year strategies. This means that it is up to the individual authority to decide what level of support is needed for vulnerable people in its own area, and which services can best provide this.

Temporary Accommodation: North West Region

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many households in  (a) Warrington and  (b) the North West are living in temporary accommodation; and what proportion of those households have been in temporary accommodation for more than 12 months.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 1 February 2007
	Information reported each quarter by local authorities about their activities under homelessness legislation includes the number of households in temporary accommodation on the last day of the quarter. The figures include both those households who have been accepted as owed the main homelessness duty, and those for which enquiries are pending.
	Data are published in our quarterly statistical release on Statutory Homelessness, which includes a regional breakdown of the number of households in temporary accommodation. We also publish a Supplementary Table showing the breakdown of key data, including temporary accommodation, by each local authority (including Warrington). Both tables are published and placed in the Library of the House. The details are also available on our website each quarter, and the latestQuarter 3 2006can be found at the following address:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1002882PressNoticeID-2309.
	In January 2005 the Government set a target of halving the number of households in all forms of temporary accommodation used by local authorities to discharge their main duty under the homelessness legislation.
	We do not collect data on the length of stay of those households currently in temporary accommodation. However we do collect the length of stay of those households who leave temporary accommodation during each quarter. Of those households who left temporary accommodation in  (a) Warrington during the most recent quarter for which data are available (July to September 2006), 24 per cent. had been there for a year or more. Of those households who left temporary accommodation in  (b) the North West during the quarter, 9 per cent. had been there for a year or more.

Women and Equality Unit: Finance

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the budget is of the Women and Equality Unit for 2006-07.

Angela Smith: The budget for the Women and Equality Unit for 2006-07 is 18,967,000. This breaks down as:
	
		
			
			 Staff and running cost 2,532.00 
			 Equal Opportunities Commission 9,005.00 
			 Commission for Equalities and Human Rights transition costs 7,100.00 
			 Womens National Commission 330.00

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Biofuels

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many plants there are in the UK producing biofuels.

Malcolm Wicks: DTI is currently carrying out a survey of companies that announced their intention to produce biofuels to find out the actual production during 2006. Results of this survey are not expected until later in the year.
	The Renewable Energy Association has published a list of the major biodiesel and bioethanol producing companies in the UK, and smaller companies that hold REA membership. Included are companies that either have operational plants, or have publicly announced plans to construct biofuels production facilities. The list is available at:
	http://www.r-p-a.org.uk/content/images/articules/BiofuelsCompList(1).pdf.

British Sky Broadcasting: ITV Network

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment his Department has made of the implications for  (a) the market in television sports rights,  (b) competition in the television advertising market,  (c) competition in programme scheduling,  (d) broadcast new services,  (e) competition in the retail provision of multi-channel television and  (f) the public interest of BSkyB's acquisition of a 17.9 per cent. stake in ITV plc.

Ian McCartney: The Office of Fair Trading is currently considering (i) whether BSkyB's acquisition of a 17.9 per cent. stake of ITV plc means a relevant merger situation may have been created and (ii) whether that situation may result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets within the United Kingdom for goods or services and (iii) whether to make a reference to the Competition Commission.
	Separately, Ofcom is considering whether the transaction represents a change of control of one or more of the licences held by ITV plc. If such a change of control had taken place, Ofcom would conduct a change of control review, examining the effects of the change on ITV's licensed services such as original productions, news and current affairs programmes and regional programming.
	In addition, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is considering whether to exercise his discretion under section 42 of the Enterprise Act 2002 to issue a public interest intervention notice in respect of this transaction. Representations on this matter have been received both from the parties concerned and from interested third parties and these will be given careful consideration in reaching a decision.

British Sky Broadcasting: ITV Network

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on BSkyB's acquisition of a 17.9 per cent. stake in ITV plc.

Ian McCartney: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received written submissions from British Sky Broadcasting plc about the company's acquisition of a 17.9 per cent. stake of ITV plc providing views on a range of matters relevant to the Secretary of State's consideration of whether he should exercise his discretion under section 42 of the Enterprise Act 2002 to issue a public interest intervention notice in respect of this transaction. The Secretary of State has received written submissions from ITV plc and from interested third parties including NTL, the Virgin Group and Channel 4.

British Sky Broadcasting: ITV Network

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what meetings with  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials have taken place with representatives of BSkyB since BSkyB's acquisition of a 17.9 per cent. stake in ITV plc.

Ian McCartney: Since British Sky Broadcasting plc's acquisition of a 17.9 per cent. stake in ITV plc, DTI officials have had a meeting with representatives of the company to hear their views on matters relevant to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's consideration of whether he should exercise his discretion under section 42 of the Enterprise Act 2002 to issue a public interest intervention notice in respect of this transaction. DTI officials have also had a meeting on this matter with representatives of NTL. Ministers have had no meetings with representatives of British Sky Broadcasting plc, ITV plc or any other third parties about this matter.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what goods and services were exported to Burma from the UK in 2006; and what the value was of those goods and services.

Ian McCartney: Data on United Kingdom exports of services to Burma are not available. Initial estimates of UK exports of goods to Burma in 2006 will be available from mid-February 2007. HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics suggest that the UK exported about 3.2 million worth of goods to Burma in the period January to November 2006.

Business Relocations

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate his Department has made of the number of overseas businesses that have relocated to the UK since 1997.

Ian McCartney: The Government do not measure or estimate the number of overseas businesses that have relocated to the UK.
	Overseas firms investment in the UK has grown rapidly since 1997. The value of the stock of overseas investment in the UK more than tripled from 153 billion at the end of 1997 to 483 billion at the end of 2005. There have been over 7,500 inward investment projects, which have created or safeguarded over 844,000 jobs between 1997-98 and 2005-06.

Business Relocations

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate his Department has made of the number of jobs created as a result of overseas firms relocating to the UK since 1997.

Ian McCartney: The Government do not measure or estimate the number of jobs created by overseas businesses that have relocated to the UK.
	Overseas firms investment in the UK has grown rapidly since 1997, creating or safeguarding many jobs. The value of the stock of overseas investment in the UK more than tripled from 153 billion at the end of 1997 to 483 billion at the end of 2005. There have been over 7,500 inward investment projects, which have created or safeguarded over 844,000 jobs between 1997-98 and 2005-06.

CAB Offices

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many citizens advice bureau offices operate in  (a) England and  (b) the West Midlands.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 1 February 2007
	There are 402 registered Citizens Advice Bureaux in England plus two in the Channel Islands. The 402 bureaux operate from 2,268 regular outlets.
	In the West Midlands there are 37 registered Citizens Advice Bureaux which operate from 235 regular outlets.

Coal: Mining

Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assistance his Department provides to companies planning to open new coal mines for training of miners with appropriate skills.

Malcolm Wicks: The Welsh Assembly Government provides discretionary training support to mining operators and to individual trainees through its workplace training programmes.

Coffee

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed European Commission directive on specified quantities for pre-packaged goods on the UK coffee manufacturing sector; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: The Department has consulted extensively with stakeholders, including representatives of the UK soluble coffee industry, on European Commission proposals to deregulate specified quantities for the majority of pre-packaged products and also on the broader issue of specified quantities. Officials have also had discussions with representatives of specific industry sectors. The views of business sectors and consumer groups have been taken into account during the course of negotiation on the proposals.
	Although no final decisions have yet been taken on the content of the new directive on nominal quantities we expect it to incorporate a large degree of deregulation. The Government support deregulation as they believe that it will give greater freedom to packers and increased choice to consumers. The removal of fixed pack sizes will not impose any direct costs on UK businesses as packers will continue to be able to pack in the sizes they now use.

Conditions of Employment

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the full version of the third Work-Life Balance Survey will be published.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The executive summary of the Third Work-Life Balance Employee Survey is available on the DTI website. We expect to publish the main report later this month.

Consolidated Resource Accounts

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the purpose was of the six payments to ACAS, referred to in the answer of 9 March 2006,  Official Report, column 1727, on spending; and what items of stock were stolen.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The six payments refer to compensation payments made by ACAS to six employees in relation to the termination of their employment. Four of the payments were made to settle employment tribunal cases involving claims for unfair dismissal and other alleged breaches of employment law in advance of the tribunal determination. The fifth payment was made in respect of an early retirement case to compensate for untaken annual leave and pay in lieu of notice that exceeded the Approved Early Retirement Scheme terms. The remaining payment represented a severance payment to an individual who, as an alternative to dismissal, was allowed to resign with a settlement as part of a compromise agreement.

Departmental Advertising

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total costs were of  (a) providing and  (b) subsidising supplements which promote or detail the work of his Department in trade journals and other newspapers in each year since 1997-98, broken down by the title of the supplement funded.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Details of such expenditure are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departments: Equal opportunities

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department  (a) has taken and  (b) plans to take to ensure that it and related bodies are in compliance with the gender equality duty in the Equality Act 2006 by the April 2007 deadline.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Department of Trade and Industry is working on its equality scheme covering the gender duty with a view to publication before the 30 April deadline. This scheme will provide the framework by which DTI will seek to implement the duty into all its functions.

Departments: Furniture

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many items of furniture were  (a) lost and  (b) stolen from his Department in each year since 1997; and what the value was of those items in each year.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Since 1997 no furniture has been lost or stolen.

Doorstep Selling

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has received representations about doorstep selling by representatives of EEC Ltd.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 2 February 2007
	The Department has not received any recent representations on doorstep selling from European Environmental Controls (EEC) Limited.
	I would like to refer the hon. Member to the measures the Government are taking forward to improve consumer protection in the doorstep selling market. This is further to the announcement I made on 7 September 2006 which stated that in response to the OFT's market study on doorstep selling and cold calling, and the subsequent public consultation, we would:
	(a) extend cancellation rights and a cooling off period to consumers for sales concluded in their home following a solicited visit, similar to those they currently enjoy for unsolicited visits;
	(b) require traders to include cancellation rights within contracts so consumers are more aware of their rights; and
	(c) encourage greater transparency on prices and greater willingness to provide written quotes, through industry self-regulation, with traders operating under Codes of Practices approved by the Office of Fair Trading's Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.
	As the hon. Member will know, the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Bill is currently going through Parliament and the doorstep selling provisions will enable the Secretary of State to make regulations that provide cancellation rights for solicited sales visits to the consumer's home (and workplace). Later this year we intend to publicly consult on the draft regulations, which will extend cancellation rights to all sales concluded in a consumer's home and require cancellation rights to be incorporated within contracts. We expect these measures to come into force in April 2008.
	I would also like to refer the hon. Member to the unfair commercial practices directive. This will be implemented this year. The new provisions will protect consumers against the physical or non-physical use of harassment, coercion or exploiting undue influence. This is also the first directive that recognizes that vulnerable consumers need a greater level of protection. Practices which would not be unfair to the average member of the shopping public can still be unfair if they are likely to adversely affect a group of vulnerable consumers in a way that a trader can reasonably foresee. For example, elderly consumers are much more likely to succumb to intimidating sales tactics than able-bodied consumers.

EC External Trade: ACP Countries

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidance his Department has issued on encouraging full participation of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries at the EU-ACP negotiations.

Ian McCartney: We have been engaged and continue to engage with ACP countries on the issue of Economic Partnership Agreements being negotiated between them and the European Union.
	We have listened to ACP concerns regarding the negotiations and raise these concerns with the European Commission. Government Ministers and officials take every opportunity to meet with ACP Ministers and country representatives.
	My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Trade and Industry and for International Development recently had meetings with ACP Ministers and negotiators; the Under-Secretary of State for International Development, my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas) and I met with UK NGOs in order to listen to the concerns they had with the way in which negotiations were progressing; officials met with the Caribbean Chief Negotiator and in October I attended the Pacific Islands Forum where I met with Ministers from the region. I am due to visit Africa for a number of meetings to discuss, amongst other things, Economic Partnership Agreements. I had further discussion with a number of my European Trade Minister Colleagues and EC Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson on 12 February 2007 on finding a way forward to concluding agreements within the agreed time scale.
	DFID operate a number of projects aimed at increasing the ACP countries' capacity to engage effectively in the negotiations. DFID is continuing to help fund the Caribbean's negotiators and is providing two technical assistants to ECOWAS (the West African negotiating group). That is in addition to funding spent on EPAs at a country level and the work that the international trade department commissions.

Electricity: Heating

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it the policy of the Government to promote the long-term low carbon sustainability of electric heating.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government have a range of policies to promote the development of low-carbon electricity generation. These include the renewables obligation and the EU emissions trading scheme.
	The Government have committed to putting the UK on a path to a 60 per cent. reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. Reducing carbon emissions from the use of electricity will make an important contribution to meeting this target.

Energy: Costs

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the average change in domestic  (a) gas and  (b) electricity bills in each year since 1997.

Malcolm Wicks: The average changes in domestic gas and electricity(1) bills are as shown in the following table. The data presented are for standard credit customers in cash terms(2).
	
		
			   Change in GB( 3)  domestic gas bill  Change in UK domestic electricity bill( 1) 
			 1997-98 -4.0 -6.0 
			 1998-99 -3.2 -1.5 
			 1999-2000 -3.3 -2.7 
			 2000-01 -0.7 -2.7 
			 2001-02 5.8 -0.4 
			 2002-03 3.2 0.4 
			 2003-04 4.1 2.4 
			 2004-05 15.9 11.3 
			 2005-06 22.2 18.6 
			 (1) The bills for standard electricity do not include customers that are on economy 7 tariffs. (2) The data have not been adjusted for inflation. (3) Gas is not yet widely available in Northern Ireland and so the region has been excluded from this table. 
		
	
	The average UK domestic electricity and GB gas bills in 2006 were 338 and 473 respectively.

Executive Agencies

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much was spent by each of his Department's executive agencies in each Government Office region in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Margaret Hodge: The Department is responsible for the following five Executive Agencies: Small Business Service, Companies House, The Insolvency Service, Patent Office and National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML).
	 The Insolvency Service
	The Insolvency Service does not publish information by region. Total expenditure in 2005-06 was 126,751,000 and included expenditure within the GO regions is in the following table.
	
		
			   000 
			 East Midlands 3,382 
			 East of England 7,196 
			 London 48,900 
			 North East 2,325 
			 NorthWest 8,614 
			 South East 6,746 
			 SouthWest 6,741 
			 West Midlands 23,986 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 4,879 
		
	
	There is an additional 10,684,000 of cost that is attributable across all regions but it would involve disproportionate cost to calculate the distribution to each office.
	Remaining expenditure was in Scotland and Wales.
	 The Patent Office
	The Patent Office has offices in Newport (South Wales) and London. Expenditure in 2005-06 attributable to the London office was l,071,000.
	 Companies House
	Companies House has offices in Cardiff, Edinburgh and London. Expenditure in 2005-06 attributable to the London office was 423,000.
	Expenditure by each of the remaining two Executive Agencies (i.e. Small Business Service and National Weights and Measurement Laboratory) by Government Office regions could only be made available at disproportionate cost.

Exports: Libya

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the level was of  (a) service sector and  (b) agricultural exports to Libya in 2005-06.

Ian McCartney: The information requested is as follows:
	 (a) Data for UK exports of services to Libya are not available. The ONS UK Balance of Payments Pink Book gives a figure of 391 million for UK exports of services in 2005 to North African countries other than Egypt and Morocco.
	 (b) UK exports of food and animals to Libya were worth about 4.8 million in 2005 and 6.2 million from January to November 2006.

Foreign Investment: Zimbabwe

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department has made an assessment of the scale of financial support and investment by UK companies in Zimbabwe.

Ian McCartney: UK Trade and Investment, the lead Government organisation that supports companies in the UK trading internationally and overseas companies seeking to locate in the UK, has not made a separate assessment of the scale of financial support and investment by UK companies in Zimbabwe.
	There are no trade sanctions or embargoes against British companies doing business in Zimbabwe. UK companies continue to do business in Zimbabwe but trade between the two countries has declined in recent years. In 2005 two-way trade was worth 66 million down from 143 million in 2000 (Office of National Statistics, Business Monitor MA4). The net book value of UK Foreign Direct Investment in Zimbabwe was 52 million at the end of financial year 2005 (ONS).

Information Fair Trader Scheme

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Coal Authority plans to join the Information Fair Trader Scheme.

Malcolm Wicks: The Coal Authority is already in dialogue with the Office of Public Sector Information and intends to seek Information Fair Trader Scheme accreditation.

Manufacturing: West Midlands

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department is taking to encourage  (a) manufacturing and  (b) research and development in (i) Coventry, South and (ii) the West Midlands region.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 8 February 2007
	The Government are strongly committed to the development of a high value-added modern manufacturing sector which competes effectively in global markets. We have been extremely successful in providing a stable macro-economic framework in which business can prosper and grow and are taking action through the manufacturing strategy to enable manufacturers in all regions, including the West Midlands, to move to high value-added production through the application of science and innovation and the development of world-class skills.
	We have successful manufacturing sectors; in 2006 our automotive sector produced more than 1.4 million vehicles, and our aerospace industry had a turnover of over 29 billion and invested 2.7 billion in R and D. New high-tech manufacturing markets are emergingour bioscience industry is the largest industry in Europe and our environmental industries, worth 25 billion, are growing at a rate of 10 per cent. a year.
	We set up the Manufacturing Advisory Service in 2002 which has generated 277 million of added value and we have extended the research and development tax credit which has had 22,000 claims and provides 600 million a year in Government support, the majority of which goes to manufacturers. We have put 370 million into the Technology Programme which has supported 600 collaborative R and D projects and 19 Knowledge Transfer Networks since its launch in 2003.
	Selective Finance for Investment in England (SFIE) and its predecessor RSA have provided 7,403 grants worth 2.6 billion, creating 21.6 billion of investment and creating/safeguarding 437,271 jobs from April 1997 to March 2006around 80 per cent. of which are in manufacturing.
	In 2004 (the latest year for which data are available), the UK attracted more inward investment projects (563) than any other EU country. France secured 490 projects.
	According to a survey of 1,000 multinationals conducted by AT Kearney, the UK ranked fourth worldwide as a future location for direct investment (ahead of any other EU country). In comparison Germany was ninth, France was 14th, and Italy was 19th. 75,000 new jobs were created by direct inward investment into the UK in 2004-05.
	 Research and development
	Government have taken the lead by encouraging investment in R and D, creating incentives for companies to invest in their future. We introduced the R and D tax credit to promote investment and stimulate innovation. It has provided 977 million in support for SMEs, the majority of which has gone to manufacturers.
	We have more than doubled the science budget to almost 3.5 billion a yearand half the DTI's budgetfor the last nine years.
	Between April 2004 and January 2007 Advantage West Midlands has provided the following grants:
	 Regional Selective Finance for Investment (for manufacturing and service projects)West Midlands region
	Number of offers made234
	Number of jobs created3,929
	Number of jobs safeguarded3,888
	Amount of assistance42 million
	There are no figures available for Coventry, South, however figures available for Coventry and Warwickshire are:
	Number of offers made27
	Number of jobs created676
	Number of jobs safeguarded435
	Amount of assistance8 million
	 Grants for research and developmentWest Midlands
	Number of offers64
	Amount of assistance4.8 million
	 Grants for research and developmentCoventry and Warwickshire
	Number of offers18
	Amount of assistance1,051,000
	 Grants for research and developmentCoventry, South (FY 2005-06)
	Number of offers4
	Amount of assistance185,056
	Advantage West Midlands has supported the University of Warwick Science Park Concepts Fund, effectively a proof of concept fund with business support activity tacked on to it, and has also supported the Mercia Spinner Fund to encourage university spin outs.
	Manufacturing is, and will continue to be, of huge significance to the West Midlands' economy. By 2015, West Midlands' manufacturing is expected to contribute 20 per cent. of the region's gross value added (GVA)the highest of any other UK region.

Medical Research Council

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, further to the answer of 17 October 2006,  Official Report, column 1095W, references 93489, 93070 and 93218, on the Medical Research Council, when Professor Blakemore will write to the hon. Member for Hendon.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 19 December 2006
	I understand the Medical Research Council (MRC) has now sent a reply to you.

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he was first informed of the most recent forecasts of the commercial revenues of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The NDA provide regular information to the Department about expenditure on their nuclear decommissioning and clean-up programmes as well as forecast commercial income. The NDA's Annual Report and Accounts 2005/06 and the draft Annual Plan for 2007/08 (which are available on the NDA website at www.nda.gov.uk) contain information on NDA commercial operations.

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate his Department has made of the overall cost to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority of the closure of the THORP facility at the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The cost to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority of the incident at the THORP Feed Clarification Cell is a commercial matter for the authority.

Nuclear Power Stations: Climate Change

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what  (a) discussions and  (b) studies his Department has undertaken on the impact of nuclear power stations upon climate change; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department has had many discussions on nuclear power, some of which included impacts on climate change.
	In the context of the Energy Review, DTI has considered a range of assessments covering the life cycle carbon emissions of generating electricity from nuclear power plants. Whilst approaches to assessment differ between individual studies, findings consistently demonstrate significant carbon emissions benefits from nuclear in comparison to fossil fuel plants. A useful summary of relevant studies is included at Annex A to the Sustainable Development Commission's Paper 2: Reducing CO2 emissions - nuclear and the alternatives.

One NorthEast

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much One NorthEast spent in each local authority in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Margaret Hodge: One NorthEast manage their resources at a sub-regional level, working through sub-regional partnerships in Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Tees Valley. This approach builds on coalitions of local partners, working together to allocate resources to projects across local authority boundaries. The following table sets out those allocations for 2005-06.
	
		
			  000 
			   Northumberland  Tyne and Wear  Durham  Tees Valley  Total 
			 Sub Regional Partnerships 13,006 36,472 17,590 24,044 91,112 
			 Single Regeneration Budget 4,275 9,729 4,521 3,842 22,367 
			 Physical Regeneration 4,298 19,853 5,691 4,696 34,538 
			 SFI/R and D Grants 1,911 7,813 5,140 4,185 19,049 
			 Total 23,490 73,867 32,941 36,768 167,066

Post Office

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the Answer of 5 February 2007,  Official Report, column 734W, what assessment he has made of the extent to which the Department has sufficient resources to meet the Government's deadline of responding to the Post Office consultation within three weeks and one day of the end of the consultation period.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Department is capturing and considering responses to consultation as they arrive and has sufficient resource to meet the expected timetable of responding to the consultation in March.

Post Offices

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what dates the Ministerial Committee on the Post Office Network has met.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees, including when and how often they meet, is generally not disclosed as to do so could harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion. However, I can confirm that the Committee did meet in advance of the Statement to Parliament on 14 December 2006.

Post Offices: Redundancy

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he expects redundancy schemes for sub-postmasters to continue beyond 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Government's proposals for the Post Office network include an 18-month compensated closure programme of sub-post offices starting in summer 2007. Compensation for sub-postmasters will not be available beyond the end of the compensated closure programme.

Power Stations: Plymouth

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in the construction of an energy park at Langage, Devon, following the issuing of a licence by his Department.

Malcolm Wicks: Commencement of the earthworks began in October 2006 with further advance works to be performed during February to July 2007 and the main civil works commencing thereafter.
	The success of the energy park is recognised as a significant economic asset to the local area and all efforts are being made to bring it on stream as soon as is practicable.

Power Stations: Plymouth

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the construction of Langage power station to date; and when it will be completed.

Malcolm Wicks: The overall development has been subject to initial teething problems as is to be expected in a proposal of this size and complexity, and the main parties are seeking to resolve these matters.
	Preparatory site works are under way and the project is scheduled for completion in July 2009.

Recycling: Peterborough

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he expects the public inquiry into proposals to build a waste recycling facility under the auspices of Peterborough Renewable Energy Limited at Storey's Bar Road, Peterborough, to be held before the end of 2007; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: I expect the public inquiry to be held before the end of 2007.

Regional Development Agencies

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry where each of the offices of the regional development agencies which are located outside the United Kingdom are based; and what the cost of running each office was in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Margaret Hodge: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 11 January 2007,  Official Report, column 734W.

Research: Grants

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total value was of grants provided to the  (a) micro projects,  (b) research projects,  (c) development projects and  (d) exceptional development projects categories in (i) 2004, (ii) 2005 and (iii) 2006; and what the total value was of the contributions to project costs made by companies which qualified for grants under each category in each year.

Margaret Hodge: The value of grant for research and development awards in each year from 2004 to 2006 is shown in the following table, together with the minimum level of investment required from recipient businesses:
	
		
			  Grant for research and development 
			   
			   Micro projects  Research projects  Development projects  Exceptional projects 
			   Grant  Minimum private sector contribution  Grant  Minimum private sector contribution  Grant  Minimum private sector contribution  Grant  Minimum private sector contribution 
			 2004 1,899,881 1,899,881 12,609,053 8,406,036 22,626,345 42,020,354 6,664,286 12,376,531 
			 2005 713,669 713,669 5,333,666 3,555,778 9,174,107 17,037,626 1,895,006 3,519,297 
			 2006 1,626,790 1,626,790 8,503,293 5,668,862 17,657,145 32,791,840 718,365 1,334,106

Retail Openings and Closures

David Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many  (a) supermarkets,  (b) national chain stores and  (c) independent shops (i) opened and (ii) closed in Somerset in each of the last 10 years, broken down by local authority area.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 1 February 2007
	The Department does not hold specific data on the trading status, ownership or overall numbers of retail companies or individual stores at a regional or sub-regional level.
	The Office of Fair Trading report 'Grocery Market: proposed decision to make a market investigation reference', published 9 March 2006, contained a table detailing changes in the retail sector across the UK between 2001 and 2005.

Seals: Imports

Chris Mullin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consider introducing a ban on the import of seal skin products; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: I made an announcement by ministerial statement on this issue on 8 February 2007,  Official Report, column 44WS.

Service Charges

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what legislation regulates service charges added on to a bill at restaurants; when this legislation was last amended; what recent representations he has received about this issue; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: The Price Marking (Food and Drink) Services Order 2003 requires restaurants, pubs and similar establishments to provide certain information to customers on menus and price lists. This legislation has not been amended since it came into force. Restaurants are also bound by the general rules for traders on misleading price indications contained in the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
	Representations on the issue of tips and the national minimum wage were made in an early-day motion on 28 November 2005, and in a Private Member's Bill, tabled in 2003, aimed at ensuring all service charges/tips paid by customers should belong to the workers in addition to the minimum wage.

Technology Strategy Board: Grants

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total value was of grants provided by the Technology Strategy Board to small and medium-sized enterprises in  (a) 2004,  (b) 2005 and  (c) 2006; and what the total value was of contributions made by SMEs qualifying for Technology Strategy Board grants in each of those years.

Malcolm Wicks: The total value of grants offered by the Technology Programme in  (a) 2004,  (b) 2005 and  (c) 2006 to small and medium enterprises was 31.8 million, 22.7 million and 19.6 million respectively towards their overall eligible project costs of 89.0 million, 53.4 million and 43.5 million respectively. These sums included modest contributions from the Research Councils and Defra.

Technology Strategy Board: Grants

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total value was of grants provided by the Technology Strategy Board to companies other than small and medium-sized enterprises in  (a) 2004,  (b) 2005 and  (c) 2006; and what the total value was of contributions to project costs made by those companies in each year.

Malcolm Wicks: The total value of grants offered by the Technology Programme in  (a) 2004,  (b) 2005 and 2006 to companies other than small and medium- sized enterprises was 73.6 million, 114.1 million and 25.0 million respectively towards their overall eligible project costs of 178.5 million, 277.1 million and 53.1 million respectively. These sums included modest contributions from the Research Councils and Defra, but do not include associated allocations from regional development agencies and devolved administrations towards these projects.

Technology Strategy Board: Grants

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total value was of grants provided by the Technology Strategy Board to universities in  (a) 2004,  (b) 2005 and  (c) 2006; and what the total value was of contributions to project costs made by those universities in each year.

Malcolm Wicks: The total value of grants offered by the Technology Programme in  (a) 2004,  (b) 2005 and 2006 to universities and other higher educational establishments was 53.7 million, 40.9 million and 9.8 million respectively towards their overall eligible project costs of 64.5 million, 54.0 million and 14.0 million respectively. These sums included modest contributions from the Research Councils and Defra.

Technology Strategy Board: Grants

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total value was of  (a) grants to and  (b) related contributions from (i) organisations which are not small or medium-sized enterprises, (ii) large companies and (iii) universities which qualified for awards from the Technology Strategy Board in each year since 2004.

Malcolm Wicks: The total value of grants offered by the Technology Programme in 2004, 2005 and 2006 to (i) organisations which are not small or medium-sized enterprises, (ii) large companies and (iii) universities was 4.7 million, 4.2 million and 1.3 million respectively towards their overall eligible project costs of 10.1 million, 6.5 million and 2.8 million respectively. These sums included modest contributions from the Research Councils and Defra. These organisations are almost exclusively private sector research and technology organisations.

Trade Agreements: Developing Countries

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the World Trade Organisation Doha Round talks; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: The Government remain fully committed to securing an ambitious, pro-development outcome to the Doha Development Agenda (DDA). In order to achieve this objective, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and I and other ministerial colleagues have had regular contacts with both the EU Trade Commissioner and our EU counterparts.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Air Ambulance Services

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment his Department has made of the merits of funding an air ambulance for Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins: The Department currently has no plans to fund an air ambulance service. A Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) feasibility study published in 2004, which was commissioned by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Republic of Ireland's Department of Health and Children, concluded that, other than for inter-hospital transfers, there was no clear advantage in helicopter emergency medical services. Current policy is to develop ground ambulance services and the Department is working with the four Health and Social Services Boards and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service in this regard.

Air Pollution: Northern Ireland

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the  (a) total carbon emissions and  (b) total carbon emissions per capita in each district council area in the Province in each of the last three years.

David Cairns: The Defra report on Local and Regional Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Estimates for 2004 in the UK, published on 27 November 2006, provides a regional breakdown of carbon emissions per capita. This report includes a breakdown per district council area for Northern Ireland. The figures contained in this report refer only to 2004, the latest year for which data are available.
	A summary of data contained in the report are shown in the following table:
	
		
			  End User Local and Regional Estimates of Carbon Emissions 2004, CO 2  Emissions (kt CO 2 ) 2004 
			  District council area  Total net emissions  Net emissions per capita 
			 Antrim 583 12.1 
			 Ards 573 7.8 
			 Armagh 594 11.0 
			 Ballymena 626 10.7 
			 Ballymoney 270 10.0 
			 Banbridge 437 10.6 
			 Belfast 1,777 6.4 
			 Carrickfergus 258 6.9 
			 Castlereagh 421 6.3 
			 Coleraine 514 9.1 
			 Cookstown 555 17.0 
			 Craigavon 736 9.1 
			 Derry 786 7.5 
			 Down 547 8.6 
			 Dungannon and South Tyrone 580 12.1 
			 Fermanagh 790 13.7 
			 Larne 295 9.6 
			 Limavady 296 9.1 
			 Lisburn 920 8.5 
			 Magherafelt 426 10.7 
			 Moyle 173 10.9 
			 Newry and Mourne 830 9.5 
			 Newtownabbey 595 7.4 
			 North Down 527 6.9 
			 Omagh 499 10.4 
			 Strabane 362 9.5 
			 Total for Northern Ireland 14,972 8.9

Ambulance Stations

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the answer of 16 January 2007,  Official Report, column 1089W, on ambulance stations, what assessment he has made of whether the current coverage at Castlederg Ambulance Station is adequate.

Paul Goggins: The Accident and Emergency ambulance based in Castlederg answers an average of 350 calls per annum. Based on call frequency, current coverage is deemed appropriate. Day-to-day deployment is managed by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and resources are deployed as appropriate to meet call priority.

Consultants

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the answer of 12 December 2006,  Official Report, column 945W, on consultants, if he will break the figures on spending down by Northern Ireland department; and say what the cost of each contract extension was, broken down by Northern Ireland department.

David Hanson: Expenditure on consultants broken down by Northern Ireland department is detailed in the table as follows.
	
		
			   million 
			  Department  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 ( 1) 2006-07 
			 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development 0.85 1.80 1.82 0.34 0.489 
			 Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure 1.16 0.65 0.43 0.32 2.10 
			 Department of Education 0.66 1.04 1.75 0.70 1.296 
			 Department for Employment and Learning 0.41 0.43 0.42 0.62 0.64 
			 Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment 1.47 2.11 1.22 1.29 1.14 
			 Department of the Environment 0.40 0.48 0.31 0.45 1.14 
			 Department of Finance and Personnel 1.66 2.53 2.65 2.35 4.50 
			 Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety 0.84 1.50 1.85 2.564 3.10 
			 Department for Regional Development 0.43 1.04 2.18 1.37 4.90 
			 Department for Social Development 1.81 1.59 0.62 0.48 0.82 
			 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister 0.82 1.28 0.70 0.87 1.403 
			 Northern Ireland Office 2.42 2.17 3.33 5.16 4.937 
			 Total 12.93 16.62 17.28 16.514 26.465 
			 (1) Estimated expenditure  Note: Two Departments have revised their previously reported figures to rectify inconsistent treatment of guidance. 
		
	
	The following table provides the cost of each contract extension broken down by Department. Departments that are unable to provide the required information due to excessive cost are marked as disproportionate cost under the column Extension Duration.
	
		
			  Department  Extension duration  Extension value (000) 
			 Department for Social Development Disproportionate cost  
			 Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety Disproportionate cost  
			 Department for Regional Development 4 months 6 
			  2 months 71 
			 Department of Education 3 months 2 
			  10 months 4 
			  4 days 3 
			  35 days 15 
			  7 days 4 
			  159 days 44 
			 Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure 5 days 1 
			  3 days 2 
			  16.5 days 12 
			  6 months 8 
			 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development 3 days 3 
			  6 months 3 
			  18 months 5 
			 Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Disproportionate cost  
			 Department of the Environment 8.5 weeks 0 
			  17.5 weeks 0 
			  3 weeks 0 
			  15 weeks 0 
			  12 days 0 
			  8 days 0 
			  1.5 years 531 
			  5 months 3 
			  1 year 36 
			  6 months 12 
			  6 months 5 
			 Department for Employment and Learning 3 months 0 
			  46 day 29 
			  1 month 0 
			  5 days 7 
			  1 day 0 
			 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister 7 months 44 
			  9 months 0 
			  7 months 0 
			  4 months 0 
			  2 months 0 
			  11 months 0 
			  8.5 days 5 
			 Department of Finance and Personnel 2 months 0 
			  3 months 2 
			  3 months 0 
			  8 months 90 
			  11 months 1,200 
			  11 months 75 
			 Northern Ireland Office 2 months 0 
			  3 months 10 
			  still ongoing 2

Departmental Computers

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many laptops and computers were stolen from each of the Northern Ireland departments in each of the last nine years; and what the total value was of such stolen computers.

David Hanson: A total of 55 laptop/pc computers valued at 61,092 were stolen from Northern Ireland departments during the last nine years. A breakdown by department is given in the following tables.
	
		
			  DARD 
			   Items  Cost () 
			 2001 3 laptops 3,600 
			 2002 4 laptops 4,100 
			 2003 3 laptops, 1 Pocket PC 2,000 
			 2004 2 laptops, 1 PC 2,100 
		
	
	
		
			  DCAL 
			   Items  Cost () 
			 2002 1 laptop 2,277 
		
	
	
		
			  DEL 
			   Items  Cost () 
			 2001 1 laptop 575 
			 2006 1 laptop 575 
		
	
	
		
			  DETI 
			   Items  Cost () 
			 2001 2 laptops 2,820 
			 2004 1 laptop 1,020 
			 2005 1 laptop 825 
			 2006 2 laptops 1,500 
		
	
	
		
			  DFP 
			   Items  Cost () 
			 2003 2 laptops (1) 
			 2004 1 laptop 800 
			 2007 1 laptop 800 
			 (1) No lossitems retrieved. 
		
	
	
		
			  DHSSPS 
			   Items  Cost () 
			 1999 1 laptop 1,500 
			 2001 1 laptop 1,000 
			 2004 1 laptop 1,000 
			 2005 3 laptops 2,720 
		
	
	
		
			  OFMDFM 
			   Items  Cost () 
			 2002 1 laptop 2,197 
			 2004 1 laptop 1,597 
			 2005 2 laptops 2,647 
		
	
	
		
			  DSD 
			   Items  Cost () 
			 2001 2 2,000 
			 2004 1 1,000 
			 2005 1 860 
		
	
	
		
			  NIO 
			   Items  Cost () 
			 2006-07 1 1,500 
			 2003-04 1 1,500 
			 2002-03 1 350 
			 2001-02 1 1,500 
			 1999-2000 1 4,500 
			 1998-99 1 3,000 
		
	
	
		
			  DE 
			   Items  Cost () 
			 2002-03 1 735 
			 2001-02 2 2,624 
		
	
	
		
			  DRD 
			   Items  Cost () 
			 1999-2000 1 1,160 
			 2004-05 1 1,160 
			 2005-06 2 2,350 
		
	
	
		
			  DOE 
			   Items  Cost () 
			 1998-99 1 1,200

Domestic Rates

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the co-efficient values given to the property attributes for conservatories are in the Valuation and Lands Agency's calibrated multiple regression formula used in the domestic rates revaluation in Northern Ireland in each of the 25 market areas.

David Hanson: In Northern Ireland conservatories were not considered as a specific modelling factor during the Valuation and Lands Agency's multiple regression analysis. No co-efficients were therefore calculated for conservatories.

Domestic Rates

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which local authorities fall in each of the 25 market areas defined by the Valuation and Lands Agency in the recent domestic rates revaluation process.

David Hanson: A list of the local authorities which fall in each of the 25 market areas defined by the Valuation and Lands Agency in the recent domestic rates revaluation process is shown in the following table:
	
		
			   Market area  Local authority 
			 1 Antrim Antrim 
			 2 Ards Peninsula Ards 
			 3 Armagh Armagh, Newry and Mourne 
			 4 Ballymena and Hinterland Ballymena 
			 5 Ballymoney and Hinterland Ballymoney, Moyle 
			 6 Banbridge Banbridge 
			 7 Castlereagh Ards, Castlereagh 
			 8 Coleraine North Coast Moyle, Coleraine 
			 9 Craigavon Armagh, Craigavon 
			 10 Derry Derry 
			 11 Down Down 
			 12 Dungannon and Clougher Valley Dungannon and South Tyrone, Fermanagh 
			 13 East Antrim Carrickfergus, Larne, Newtownabbey 
			 14 Fermanagh Fermanagh 
			 15 Glens Moyle, Larne 
			 16 Greater Belfast Castlereagh, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey, Belfast, Lisburn, North Down 
			 17 Limavady Limavady 
			 18 Lisburn Lisburn 
			 19 Mid Down Ards 
			 20 Mid Ulster Cookstown, Magherafelt 
			 21 Newry and Mourne Newry and Mourne 
			 22 North Down Ards, North Down 
			 23 Omagh Omagh 
			 24 South Armagh Newry and Mourne 
			 25 Strabane Strabane

Domestic Rates

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from which bodies the Valuation and Lands Agency obtained data on the location and scope of conservation areas as part of the domestic rates revaluation exercise.

David Hanson: Details of the location and scope of conservation areas were obtained by the Valuation and Lands Agency from information available on the Planning Service website: www.planningni.gov.uk.

Domestic Rates

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the co-efficient values given to each of the property attributes for conservation area status are in the Valuation and Lands Agency's calibrated multiple regression formula used in the domestic rates revaluation in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 29 November 2006,  Official Report, columns 716-17W.

Domestic Rates

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which organisation will consider appeals against the new domestic capital value ratings; and whether there is a further appeal stage thereafter.

David Hanson: The new capital value rating system in Northern Ireland will have a three-stage appeal process. The first stage will involve a review by a District Valuer from the Valuation and Lands Agency (VLA) followed by an appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation. The final stage is an appeal to an independent Valuation Tribunal which will be under the auspices of the Northern Ireland Court Service.

Domestic Rates

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether an additional  (a) bedroom,  (b) bathroom and  (c) outbuilding would (i) constitute a material change in a domestic property under the new discrete capital values system of domestic local taxation and (ii) be considered in any valuation of the property for local taxation purposes.

David Hanson: An additional  (a) bedroom;  (b) bathroom; and  (c) outbuilding could constitute a material change under the new capital value system of domestic local taxation and may therefore be considered in any valuation of the property for local taxation purposes, but only if it involves a structural change to the property.

Domestic Rates

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total monetary value of the transitional relief for the new discrete capital values system of domestic local taxation is in each year of its operation.

David Hanson: In the first year the monetary value in terms of revenue forgone is estimated to be 17.91 million. In year two this is 12 million and in year three, 6 million. For years two and three it will be for the Northern Ireland Assembly to decide if these amounts will remain as revenue forgone or if the liability should be redistributed among other ratepayers.

Domestic Rates

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether  (a) empty homes,  (b) homes empty due to the death of the resident owner,  (c) second homes and  (d) homes with only one adult receive any form of discount under the new discrete capital values system of domestic local taxation.

David Hanson: Under the new capital value system, as with the current NAV system, domestic property that is not occupied will not be subject to rate liability. An enabling power has been included in primary legislation for the Northern Ireland Assembly to introduce the rating of vacant property if it should choose to do so.
	Domestic property with single occupancy and second homes will be liable for full rates, as has been the case under the existing system.

Domestic Rates

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the tax liability is under the new discrete capital values system of domestic local taxation for  (a) households made up solely of full-time students,  (b) households made up solely of working student nurses and  (c) households with some full-time students and some adults not on benefits.

David Hanson: Households made up solely of full-time students, including those on a full-time education course for nursing and midwifery, will receive 100 per cent. relief from rate liability. Should a household not be made up solely of full-time students, the education and training relief will not be awarded.

Domestic Rates

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the tax liability is under the new discrete capital values system of domestic local taxation for residents who are away from their main residence due to being in long-term residential care or long-term healthcare.

David Hanson: The tax liability under the new discrete capital values system of domestic local taxation for residents who are away from their main residence due to being in long-term residential care or long-term healthcare is determined in the same way as it was under the previous system.
	Tax liability for domestic properties is determined by the satisfaction of conditions laid down in Article 18 of the Rates (NI) Order 1977 and by rating case law. These conditions are not affected by the introduction of a capital values based taxation system.

Domestic Rates

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the timetable is for the introduction of a cap on the maximum capital value for the purposes of the new discrete capital values system of domestic local taxation; and what effect such a cap would have on the estimated average effective tax rate if introduced for 2007-08.

David Hanson: The Government's commitment to the introduction of a maximum cap, which formed part of the agreement at St. Andrews in October 2006, was in the context of a NI Assembly being restored by 26 March 2007. Consultation has recently been completed with local political parties and a decision will be made shortly.
	Should a maximum cap be put in place, this will have no impact on the average effective tax rate for 2007-08. There will, however, be a reduction in the amount of rate revenue that can be collected.

Domestic Rates

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the effect of  (a) the new discrete capital values system of domestic local taxation,  (b) the change in local taxation on property due to changes in the regional and district rates and  (c) the introduction of a capital-based system of water charging on long-term house prices in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: The University of Ulster looked at this issue in 2003 when it carried out its impact assessment of options for reform of the domestic rating system. Its findings were inconclusive. It did note that, as the new rating system is not a new tax but the redistribution of an existing tax, in the unlikely event that any measurable impact should emerge it could affect the market unevenly and in either direction, depending on location and sector. This work did not extend to examining the impact of Water Reform and no specific study has been carried out.
	It should also be noted that recent evidence from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, which referred to its European Housing Review 2007, shows that NI experienced the highest increases in Europe in 2006. This exceptional growth continues and it has included the period in which the Valuation and Lands Agency were advising individual householders in NI of their new capital values, together with an indication of their new rate liability. This would suggest that rating and water reform have not affected the residential property market in NI.

Domestic Rates

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate has been made of the number of appeals against the new domestic capital value ratings  (a) prior to 1 April 2007,  (b) in the 12 months from 1 April 2007 and  (c) in 2008-09.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency estimate that there will be:
	 (a) 27,000 informal reviews before 1 April 2007;
	 (b) 35,000 applications for review of the new capital values and it is estimated that some 7,000 of these will proceed to the Commissioner of Valuation; and
	 (c) no estimates have been finalised for 2008-09.

Energy: Northern Ireland

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will  (a) estimate the total cost to the public purse of free distribution of three energy efficient light bulbs to every home in Northern Ireland and  (b) assess the environmental impact of such a move.

Maria Eagle: The estimated cost of supplying three energy efficient light bulbs to every home in Northern Ireland is 7.59 million. This could result in electricity savings of 1648 GWh and a saving of 360,294 tonnes of carbon during the lifetime of the bulbs. This equates to a yearly carbon saving of 16,574 tonnes.

Garages and Petrol Stations: Northern Ireland

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many retail petrol stations there were in Northern Ireland in 1997; and how many there are in 2007.

Maria Eagle: Government do not hold this figure centrally. However, figures obtained from the Northern Ireland petrol retailing industry estimate the figures for licensed premises as approximately 550 for 2007 compared to 1,000 in 1997.

Invest Northern Ireland: Limavady

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many potential inward investors have been to  (a) Limavady and  (b) Coleraine council area at the invitation of Invest Northern Ireland during 2006.

Maria Eagle: During 2006 there were no visits under the auspices of Invest Northern Ireland to Limavady and Coleraine council areas by potential inward investors.

Invest Northern Ireland: Londonderry

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much public funding has been spent by Invest Northern Ireland on offering assistance to representatives of companies in the East Londonderry constituency in each of the last two years.

Maria Eagle: The following table details the amount of assistance offered by Invest NI within the constituency of East Londonderry in each of the two years from 2004-05 to 2005-06.
	
		
			   million 
			  Financial year  Assistance offered 
			 2004-05 2.13 
			 2005-06 10.65 
			 Total 12.78

Irish Language

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether an economic appraisal has been undertaken to estimate the cost implications across all Northern Ireland Government Departments if the Irish Language Bill envisaged in the St. Andrews Agreement is enacted.

Maria Eagle: While a formal economic appraisal has not been undertaken a financial impact assessment was carried out. The assessment looked at the cost of implementing similar legislation in Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. This information along with an account of the expenditure incurred by Northern Ireland Departments on the Irish language during the previous financial year was included as chapter 7 of the consultation paper. After the consultation period has ended the costs and benefits analysis will be revisited within the context of assessing the options for the Bill and the preparation of a regulatory impact assessment.

Local Government Finance

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 30 November 2006,  Official Report, column 836-7W, on local government finance, whether a material change to a domestic property that changed the capital value of the property where the property ownership has not changed would change the domestic rates bill before the time of the next rates revaluation.

David Hanson: Under the existing NAV system and new rates system a material change to a domestic property that changes the rental or capital value of the property, where the property ownership has not changed, will change the domestic rates bill. However, under the new capital value system, these changes will now not have effect until on or after the commencement of the rating year immediately following the year in which the change is made.

Local Government Finance

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the answer of 30 November 2006,  Official Report, column 872W, on local government finance, whether non-structural changes may count as material changes when determining changes in the capital value of the property.

David Hanson: Under current rating legislation some non-structural changes may count as material changes when determining changes in the capital value of a property. A full list of such changes can be found in schedule 6 of the Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977.

NHS: Laboratories

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many  (a) clinical biochemistry,  (b) haematology,  (c) histopathology,  (d) cytopathology and  (e) microbiology tests and investigations were conducted at each health service laboratory in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

Paul Goggins: Information on the number of  (a) clinical biochemistry,  (b) haematology,  (c) histopathology,  (d) cytopathology and  (e) microbiology tests or investigations conducted at each health service laboratory in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years is not readily available. However, the number of tests conducted at each trust for the last four years is detailed in the following table. The Department started to collect this information in 2001-02 and so caution should be taken with the first year's data. 2005-06 data are not yet available.
	
		
			  (a) Clinical biochemistry profiles( 1, 2) 
			  Trust  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Altnagelvin Hospitals HSS Trust 373,360 421,968 503,013 564,746 
			 Belfast Link Laboratories(3) 1,514,386 1,520,688 1,778,582 1,859,403 
			 Causeway HSS Trust 149,571 221,535 243,672 288,993 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital Group HSS Trust/Newry and Mourne HSS Trust(4) 666,287 754,056 841,959 907,915 
			 Green Park HSS Trust 151,975 165,207 175,228 97,279 
			 Mater Infirmorum Hospital HSS Trust 132,016 144,419 155,455 142,572 
			 Sperrin Lakeland HSS Trust 208,198 236,161 260,597 330,086 
			 Ulster Community and Hospitals HSS Trust 328,682 366,604 444,843 537,614 
			 United Hospitals Group HSS Trust 651,069 750,268 790,273 901,056 
			 Total 4,175,544 4,580,906 5,193,622 5,629,664 
			 (1 )Profile = a range of tests performed on an individual sample. (2 )All regional services are excluded from the regional financial benchmarking exercise. (3 )Belfast Link Laboratories is the joint directorate of the three hospitals in central Belfast, namely, Belfast City Hospitals Trust, the Mater Hospital Trust, and the Royal Group of Hospitals Trust. As the Mater was still being amalgamated into BLL during this review, data were recorded separately. All three hospital sites have laboratories. (4) Craigavon Area Hospitals HSS Trust, incorporating service provided from Daisy Hill Hospital Laboratory.  Source:  Regional Financial Benchmarking Exercise 
		
	
	
		
			  (e) Microbiology Requests 
			  Trust  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Altnagelvin Hospitals HSS Trust 109,315 102,724 113,526 116,120 
			 Belfast Link Laboratories(2) 372,446 329,344 348,927 364,924 
			 Causeway HSS Trust 52,728 55,688 53,088 58,293 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital Group HSS Trust/ Newry and Mourne HSS Trust(3) 157,231 159,168 162,178 168,082 
			 Green Park HSS Trust 40,038 43,821 44,412 43,354 
			 Mater Infirmorum Hospital HSS Trust 27,985 30,437 32,620 31,555 
			 Sperrin Lakeland HSS Trust 56,018 57,273 61,182 64,076 
			 Ulster Community and Hospitals HSS Trust 112,193 1 14,422 114,581 116,236 
			 United Hospitals Group HSS Trust 202,435 206,561 225,511 248,248] 
			 Total 1,130,389 1,099,438 1,156,025 1,210,888 
			 (1)All regional services are excluded from the regional financial benchmarking exercise. (2 )Belfast Link Laboratories is the joint directorate of the three hospitals in central Belfast, namely, Belfast City Hospitals Trust, the Mater Hospital Trust and the Royal Group of Hospitals Trust. As the Mater was still being amalgamated into BLL during this review, data were recorded separately. All three hospital sites have laboratories. (3) Craigavon Area Hospitals HSS Trust, incorporating service provided from Daisy Hill Hospital Laboratory.  Source:  Regional Financial Benchmarking Exercise.

NHS: Laboratories

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost was of pathology and laboratory services provision in the Northern Ireland health service in each of the last 10 years.

Paul Goggins: The cost of pathology and laboratory services provision in the Northern Ireland health service for the financial years 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05 is shown in the following table. Information for other years is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Financial year  Total cost () 
			 2004-05 62,754,330 
			 2003-04 57,706,544 
			 2002-03 53,084,579

North Down and Ards Institute of Further and Higher Education

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many occasions a Minister from his Department has visited the North Down and Ards Institute in each of the past three years.

Maria Eagle: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland visited the North Down and Ards Institute on one occasion in June 2006.

Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place in the Library a copy of the presentation and handouts produced by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency for the February 2006 Integrating Geographical Information System and Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal Conference in Orlando.

David Hanson: A copy of the presentation will be placed in the Library. No handouts were prepared for the conference.
	The presentation was made by a private sector company working with the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) on behalf of the Valuation and Lands Agency (VLA). No member of NISRA or VLA was present at the conference.

Photoviewer

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many images are held in the Valuation and Lands Agency's Photoviewer database; in what graphic format they are held; how much was spent on building the database; and what the maximum number is of images that can be stored.

David Hanson: 40,000 images are currently held under the Valuation and Lands Agency's Photoviewer process. The photographs are held in Jpeg format.
	The photographic data have been built up as part of the normal rating operational inspection process; no separate cost is identifiable.
	The maximum number of images that can be stored is 795,000.

Planning Gain Supplement

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the Valuation and Lands Agency's estimated expenditure is on preparation required to implement the planning gain supplement.

David Hanson: Preparations for the introduction of Planning gain Supplement (PGS) are likely to comprise staff training and the development of an interface between the IT systems of the Valuation and Lands Agency and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.
	No estimates of cost have yet been prepared for these as the nature of the interface required is only at the early stages of specification and the volume of cases to be processed will not be determined until after the public consultation period on Valuing Planning Gain and Paying PGS ends on 28 February 2007.

Planning: Northern Ireland

Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps his Department is taking to recruit landscape architects.

David Cairns: The Department of the Environment is currently considering the recruitment of two landscape architect assistants (in the PTO Grade). A candidate information pack has been prepared and is with Recruitment Service, but a timetable for advertising has yet to be agreed.

Planning: Northern Ireland

Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff are employed by the planning service of his Department.

David Cairns: At 1 February 2007, the Department's Planning Service employed 743 permanent full-time staff. In addition, it employed 54 permanent part-time staff, 10 job sharers and 56 casual staff.

Planning: Northern Ireland

Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the expenditure of his Department's planning service was on landscape architects in 2005-06; and how much is estimated to be spent in 2006-07.

David Cairns: During 2005-06, expenditure by the Department of the Environment's Planning Service on landscape architects was 596,000. Estimated expenditure for landscape architects in 2006-07 is 386,000.

Planning: Northern Ireland

Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many landscape architects are employed by the planning service in Northern Ireland; and how many were employed in each of the previous five years.

David Cairns: The Department of the Environment currently employs 10 landscape architects, including one casual member of staff. Until 1 April 2006, landscape architects were employed by the Department of Finance and Personnel and I understand from that Department that the numbers employed in each of the previous five years are as follows:
	
		
			  Landscape architects 
			   Number 
			 2005-06 10 
			 2004-05 10 
			 2003-04 11 
			 2002-03 11 
			 2001-02 11

Police Raids

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions his Department has had with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on the police raid at the home of Declan Murphy in Camlough in December 2006.

Paul Goggins: The hon. Gentleman raised this issue during Questions to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 10 January 2007,  Official Report, column 266 and at that time I advised that no arrests had been made. Subsequent advice from my officials indicated that two arrests had been made. I apologise to the hon. Gentleman for this unintended error.
	The Secretary of State and I receive regular confidential briefings from the Chief Constable on a range of issues. It would be inappropriate to comment on any individual case, particularly where an investigation is ongoing.

Railways: Northern Ireland

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what planned improvement works to enhance public safety are scheduled for 2007 at unmanned railway crossings on the rail networks in Northern Ireland.

David Cairns: Capital works projects are scheduled at four unmanned crossings. These are Robinson's (near Moira) and Menary's (Portstewart), both of which will be miniature stop light controlled crossings and where site works are due to begin imminently; Meeting House Lane (Dunmurry), where a gated crossing facility is to be erected; and McConaghie's (Myroe), currently at economic appraisal stage. In addition, a continuous programme of maintenance inspections is undertaken for all such crossings and minor remedial works are undertaken as necessary.

Regeneration

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial support is available from his Department for the regeneration of town centres on the east coast of the Province; and how much such support has been provided by his Department in each of the past three years.

David Hanson: The information requested in each of the last three financial years is as follows:
	
		
			
			 2004 111,512.35 
			 2005 304,582.33 
			 2006 370,035.85 
		
	
	Financial support for the regeneration of town centres is provided by several NI Departments. The Department for Social Development (DSD) has primary responsibility for urban regeneration and allocates its budget on the basis of needs identified across the whole of Northern Ireland. DSD works with councils, other agencies and the private sector to deliver a range of programmes which tackle dereliction and enhance town and city centres. Other Departments contributing to this work include the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), which has invested funding through the Fisheries Taskforce specifically in a number of towns and villages on the eastern coast. The Department for Regional Development's (DRD) Roads Service may also contribute to regeneration initiatives in addition to its normal work in respect of traffic management and maintenance work to improve roads within town centres.

Tree Felling: Northern Ireland

Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether his Department plans to introduce a licence system for developers wishing to fell trees similar to that which operates in England.

David Cairns: I have no plans to introduce a licence system in Northern Ireland for developers wishing to fell trees similar to that which operates in England.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the answer of 29 November 2006,  Official Report, column 714W, on the Valuation and Lands Agency, if he will place in the Library a copy of the presentation given by  (a) the Chief Executive of the Agency and  (b) the Director of Domestic Rating and Assessment to the annual conference of the International Association of Assessing Officers in Milwaukee in October 2006.

David Hanson: A copy of the presentation given by the Chief Executive of the Agency will be placed in the Library. The Director of Rating and Assessment was part of an international panel discussion and did not give a formal presentation.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 29 November 2006,  Official Report, column 714W, on the Valuation and Lands Agency, what the technical definition is of a value neighbourhood.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency technical definition of a value neighbourhood is
	the largest possible contiguous grouping of properties where significant economic forces on those properties are generally uniform.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the answer of 29 November 2006,  Official Report, columns 716-17W, on the Valuation and Lands Agency, what the average numerical value is of the constant ('a' variable) used in the calibrated multiple regression formula in each of the 25 market areas.

David Hanson: A list of average numerical values of the constants used in the Valuation and Lands Agency calibrated multiple regression formula in each of the 25 market areas is as follows:
	
		
			   Constant values in the calibrated multiple regression formula 
			 Antrim 6232.42 
			 Ards Peninsula 7073.81 
			 Armagh 2620.27 
			 Ballymena and Hinterland 3630.21 
			 Ballymoney and Hinterland 3444.36 
			 Banbridge 4070.03 
			 Castlereagh 5544.08 
			 Coleraine and North Coast 3905.04 
			 Craigavon 3980,18 
			 Derry 4444.19 
			 Down 6710.34 
			 Dungannon and Clougher Valley 3745.95 
			 East Antrim 4073.87 
			 Fermanagh 3458.07 
			 Glens and North Antrim Coast 3554.25 
			 Greater Belfast 5453.93 
			 Limavady 3847.28 
			 Lisburn 5025.21 
			 Mid Down and Ards 6815.15 
			 Mid Ulster 2852.50 
			 Newry and Mournes 3729.74 
			 North Down 4670.88 
			 Omagh 2838,68 
			 South Armagh 7294.13 
			 Strabane 3318.04

Valuation and Lands Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the answer of 29 November 2006,  Official Report, columns 716-17W, on the Valuation and Lands Agency, which property attribute variables had co-efficients of greater than +/- zero in the calibrated multiple regression formulae in  (a) some of and  (b) all the market areas.

David Hanson: A list of property attribute variables which had co-efficients of greater than zero in the calibrated multiple regression formulae in  (a) some; and  (b) all of the market areas is given in the following table:
	
		
			  Property attributesVariables used throughout the 25 models  
			 Habitable space (m2) All 
			 Ancillary space (m2) All 
			 Outbuildings size (m2) Some 
			 Primary classification (public/private build) Some 
			 Sub-classification (detached, semi-detached, terrace) All 
			 Grade of construction All 
			 Age band All 
			 Number of storeys Some 
			 Heating Some 
			 Sewerage provision Some 
			 Water provision Some 
			 Power provision Some 
			 External repair Some 
			 Garage All 
			 Site positive features Some 
			 Site negative features Some 
			 Neighbourhood All 
			 Location (rural, urban, suburban) All 
			 Access type Some

Valuation and Lands Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the answer of 29 November 2006,  Official Report, columns 716-17W, on the Valuation and Lands Agency, what the average capital value was of the average domestic property in each of the 25 market areas calculated as part of the rates revaluation.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency calculated the average capital value of all domestic properties in each of the 25 market areas and this information is given in the following table.
	VLA does not hold similar information by average domestic property.
	
		
			  Market Area  Average capital value () 
			 Antrim 114,477 
			 Ards Peninsula 123,133 
			 Armagh 114,848 
			 Ballymena and Hinterland 115,579 
			 Ballymoney and Hinterland 108,544 
			 Banbridge 113,472 
			 Castlereagh 174,626 
			 Coleraine North Coast 129,560 
			 Craigavon 98,372 
			 Derry 102,219 
			 Down 126,299 
			 Dungannon and Clougher Valley 115,290 
			 East Antrim 108,960 
			 Fermanagh 110,910 
			 Glens 120,092 
			 Greater Belfast 186,249 
			 Limavady 103,898 
			 Lisburn 141,019 
			 Mid Down 136,725 
			 Mid Ulster 116,911 
			 Newry and Mournes 126,145 
			 North Down 163,680 
			 Omagh 103,591 
			 South Armagh 118,913 
			 Strabane 90,491

Valuation and Lands Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what meetings the Valuation and Lands Agency had with representatives of Scottish Assessors in the last 24 months.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency and the Scottish Assessors are represented on the steering group on Harmonisation (Practice and Procedure) England/Wales/Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which meets twice a year; representatives of the Agency and Scottish Assessors have met only in that context.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the Valuation and Lands Agency's technical definition is of an estate code.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency's technical definition of an estate code is a grouping of streets that contain a similar age/type of housing and/or group housing built as part of a unified development and/or defines a specific sub-neighbourhood location.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether representatives of the Valuation and Lands Agency will be attending the Integrating Geographical Information System and Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal Conference in Las Vegas in March 2007.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency have currently no plans for representatives to attend this conference.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for how long the Valuation and Lands Agency has published an in-house staff magazine; what the frequency of publication is; and what the cost of the publication was in each year since its inception.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency did not publish an in-house magazine but issued an occasional single page news-sheet to all staff by e-mail between 2000 and spring 2006. There were therefore no publication costs. Since late 2006 this function has been absorbed into the Rate Collection Agency staff magazine at nil additional cost.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many domestic properties in Northern Ireland have photographs allocated to their property record by the Valuation and Lands Agency as part of their domestic rates valuation records.

David Hanson: To date some 64,000 domestic properties in Northern Ireland have photographs allocated to their property record by the Valuation and Lands Agency as part of their domestic rates valuation records.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what use the Valuation and Lands Agency makes of automated valuation techniques with regard to each of the taxes which it has a statutory responsibility for valuing.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency has statutory responsibility for valuing for rating taxation purposes only.
	It uses Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) techniques to provide first-pass capital valuations for the majority of domestic properties. Automated valuation models (AVMs) are used to provide first-pass valuations for the bulk classes of non-domestic propertiessuch as shops, offices, factories, stores and workshops.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much funding the Valuation and Lands Agency has provided to  (a) the University of Ulster,  (b) Mineit and (c) Lumio for the development of mass appraisal software or techniques since 1997.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency paid a total of 20,000 to Mineit in respect of the development of prototype mass appraisal software during 2000-02.
	The Valuation and Lands Agency has not made any payments to the University of Ulster or to Lumio in relation to the development of mass appraisal software or techniques.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Valuation and Lands Agency operates an incentive scheme for staff for  (a) domestic rate valuations,  (b) non-domestic rate valuations and  (c) meeting other targets.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency does not operate any incentive scheme for staff for  (a) domestic rate valuations;  (b) non-domestic rate valuations nor with regard to  (c) meeting other targets.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what meetings the Valuation and Lands Agency has had with the Republic of Ireland Valuation Office in the last 24 months.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency and the Republic of Ireland Valuation Office are represented on the Steering Group on Harmonisation (Practice and Procedure) England/Wales/Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which meets twice a year. In addition, the Valuation and Lands Agency and the Republic of Ireland Valuation Office have met on two separate occasions within the last 24 months.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by what criteria the neighbourhood geo-codes in Northern Ireland were drawn up by the Valuation and Lands Agency.

David Hanson: The neighbourhood boundaries were drawn up by the Valuation and Lands Agency on the basis of common property market influences operating in a uniform manner within these boundaries. These influences included housing types, road and rail links, natural physical features, proximity to schools and health centres and access to local services and facilities.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the estimated yearly cost to the Valuation and Lands Agency is of maintaining the domestic property valuation list under the new capital values system; and what the yearly cost of maintenance was under the rental values system.

David Hanson: The cost of maintaining the domestic property valuation list under the rental values system was, for the most recent three years for which figures are available, as follows:
	
		
			
			 2003-04 3,475,000 
			 2004-05 3,627,500 
			 2005-06 2,907,400 
		
	
	There are as yet no forward year estimates of the cost of maintaining the domestic valuation list under the new capital value system.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by what means the Valuation and Lands Agency assessed whether a domestic property has  (a) central heating and  (b) an outbuilding in the recent revaluation.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency referred to the data held on their electronic database to determine whether a domestic property has central heating or outbuilding for the purposes of the recent revaluation.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what targets have been set for the Valuation and Lands Agency.

David Hanson: In my letter of 20 January 2007 to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, I advised that the Valuation and Lands Agency and the Rate Collection Agency will be dissolved on 31 March 2007 and amalgamated to form the Land and Property Services Agency from 1 April 2007.
	Targets for the new Land and Property Services Agency are under discussion with the Department of Finance and Personnel and will be formalised, agreed and notified to Parliament using the normal process on or about 1 April 2007.

Valuation and Lands Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Valuation and Lands Agency has purchased  (a) Mosaic datasets and  (b) ACORN datasets.

David Hanson: The Valuation and Lands Agency has not purchased any Mosaic or ACORN datasets.